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V 



JOURNAL 



OF THE 



LIFE AND RELIGIOUS LABOURS 



OF 



ELIAS HICKS 



WRITTEN JgYvPiJMSELF. 






NEW-YORK; 

PUBLISHED BY ISAAC T. HOPPER. 

1832. 

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« Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1832, by Valentine 
Hicks, and Robert Seaman, in the Office of the Clerk of the Southern District of 

New-York." 



PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETORS. 



sty?- 

NEW-YORK: 
STBRBOTYPBD BY BBSS Sb BBDPXBtlK 

No 216 Wllllam-street. 



Iwig & Tulofrce, Printore, corner ofGwenwicb 6 Vesey-Bt* 



PREFACE. 



Among the papers which were left by Elias Hicks, there were 
several manuscripts, written by himself, containing many par- 
ticulars respecting his life and religious engagements. His con- 
nexions have collected these Memoirs, and now present them to 
the notice of the public. In performing this office, they believe 
that they will be rendering an acceptable and useful service to 
his survivors. To those who were personally acquainted with 
him, it will be interesting to review this brief record of his long 
and useful life ; and to all, it may be animating and instructive 
to contemplate the feelings and experience of an individual, who, 
it will be seen, was, in his retired moments, as fervent in his 
aspirations for purity and humility of heart, as he was faithful 
and diligent in his public labours for the promotion of truth and 
righteousness in the earth. 



! 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER L' 

Birth, 1748. Early visitations of Divine grace. Apprenticeship. Trials 
and temptations. Marriage, 1771. Renewed visitations of Divine love. 
Appearance in the Ministry. Situation of Friends during the war. 
Journey to Philadelphia, 1779. Visit to Friends on the Main, 1781. 
Illness, 1781. "Visit on Long Island, 1782. Visit to the meetings on the 
Main, 1782. 7 

CHAPTER II. 

Visit to Nine Partners, 1783. Visit on Long Island, 1784. Visit to New- 
York and Staten Island, 1790. Visit to Vermont, 1790. Visit on Long 
Island, 1791 . General visit to Friends of New-York yearly meeting, 1791 . 
Visit to the meetings of Ministers and Elders, 1792. Visit to Friends in 
New-England and Vermont, 1793. - 25 

CHAPTER III. 

Visit to the meetings of Ministers and Elders, 1795. Visit to Friends in 
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, 1798. - 54 

CHAPTER IV. 

Visit to Connecticut, 1799. Visit to Oblong and Nine Partners, 1800. Visit 
on Long Island, 1800 Visit to Friends in New Jersey, and Pennsylva- 
nia, 1801. - - - 82 

CHAPTER V. 
Visit to Friends in Canada, and some of the northern parts of the yearly 
meeting of New-York, 1803. Visit on Long Island, Staten Island, and 
New-York, 1806. Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners, and Stanford, and 
some adjacent parts, 1806. Visit to Nine Partners, 1807. Visit to Pur- 
chase, Nine Partners, and Stanford, 1808. Visit to the subordinate meet- 
ings, 1808. Visit to Purchase, 1809. Visits on Long Island, 1812 and 

1813. Visit to Purchase in 1813. 106 

CHAPTER VI. 
Engagements at and about home, 1813. Visit to Friends in the middle and 

southern States, 1813. 132 

CHAPTER VTI. 
Engagements at and about home, 1813 and 1814. - - - - - - 159 

CHAPTER Vin. 
Visit to Purchase, and engagements at and about home, 1814. - 184 



, 



b CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IX. 
Visit to families of Friends in New-York, and engagements at and about 
home, 1815. - ! .... 206 

CHAPTER X. 

Engagements at and about home, 1815. Visit to the monthly meetings 
within the circuit of Nine Partners quarterly meeting, 1815. - - 239 

CHAPTER XI. 
General visit to Friends in New England, 1816. - 253 

CHAPTER XII. 
Engagements at and about home, and within Westbury quarterly meeting, 
1816 and 1817. - - - - 273 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Engagements at and near home, 1817. Visit to some parts of the yearly 
meetings of Philadelphia and Baltimore, 1817. 294 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Engagements at and near home, and within the limits of Westbury quarterly 
meeting. Visit to some parts of the yearly meeting of New-York, 1818. 322 

CHAPTER XV. 

General visit to Friends of the yearly meeting of New-York, 1819. - - 355 
CHAPTER XVI. 

Journey to Ohio in 1819. Visit to the neighbouring inhabitants in 1819. 
Visit to Farmington and Duanesburgh quarterly meetings in 1820. 
Visit to some parts of Pennsylvania, and to Baltimore, in 1822. Visit 
to some of the lower quarterly meetings in 1823. - 373 

CHAPTER XVII. 
Visit to Baltimore to attend the yearly meeting in 1824. Visit to the 
inhabitants of the eastern part of Long Island in 1825. Visit to Scipio 
quarterly meeting in 1825. Visit to Southern and Concord quarterly 
meetings in Pennsylvania in 1826. Visit to the families of Friends in 
Jericho and Westbury monthly meetings in 1827. Visit to Friends in 
some parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio in 1828. - 396 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Continuation of his visit to Friends in some parts of Ohio, Indiana, Mary- 
land, Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 1828. Decease of his wife in 1829. 
Visit to Friends in the yearly meeting of New- York in 1829. - - 411 

APPENDIX. 

Letter to Hugh Judge in 1830. 439 

His decease in 1830. Memorial of (he monthly meeting of Jericho in 
1830. " I If 



JOURNAL OF ELIAS HICKS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth, 1748.— Early visitations of Divine grace.— Apprenticeship.— Trials and 
temptations. — Marriage, 1771. — Renewed visitations of Divine love. — Appear- 
ance in the Ministry. — Situation of Friends during the war. — Journey to 
Philadelphia, 1779.— Visit to Friends on the Main, 1781.— Illness, 1781.— 
Visit on Long Island, 1782.— Visit to the Meetings on the Main, 1782. 

Having experienced many mercies and preservations, both 
spiritual and temporal, in passing through this probationary state, 
I am induced to record some little account of them, under a sense 
of humble gratitude to my gracious and merciful Creator and 
Preserver. 

I was born on the 19th day of the third month, ^48, in the 
township of Hempstead, in Queens county, on Long Island. 
My parents, John and Martha Hicks, were descended from 
reputable families, and sustained a good character among their 
friends and those who knew them. My father was a grandson 
of Thomas Hicks, of whom our worthy friend Samuel Bownas 
makes honourable mention in his journal, and by whom he was 
much comforted and strengthened, when imprisoned through the 
envy of George Keith, at Jamaica, on Long Island. Neither of 
my parents were members in strict fellowship with any religious 
society, until some little time before my birth. My father was at 
that period united in membership with Friends ; but as his resi- 
dence was mostly at some distance from meeting, and in a neigh- 
bourhood where very few Friends lived, my associates, when 
young, were chiefly among those of other religious persuasions, 
or, what was still worse for me, among those who made no pro- 



8 JOURNAL OF 

fession of religion at all. This exposed me to much temptation; 
and though I early felt the operation of divine grace, checking 
and reproving me for my lightness and vanity, yet being of a 
lively active spirit, and ambitious of excelling in my play and 
diversions, I sometimes exceeded the bounds of true moderation, 
for which I often felt close conviction and fears on my pillow in 
the night season. 

When I was about eight years old, my father removed his 
habitation and settled on a farm which his father had left him, 
on the south side of the island, near the sea shore. This intro- 
duced a new scene of diversion to my active mind, which was 
prone to pleasure and self-gratification. The shore abounded 
with fish and wild fowl, and I soon began to occupy myself with 
angling for the former, and shooting the latter. These amuse- 
ments gained an ascendency in my mind, and although they 
were diversions for which I felt condemnation at later periods, 
yet I am led to believe that they were, at this time, profitable to 
me in my exposed condition, as they had a tendency to keep me 
more at and about home, and often prevented my joining with 
loose company, which I had frequent opportunities of doing 
without my father's knowledge. My mother was removed by 
death when I was about eleven years of age, and my father was 
left with the care of six children, three older, and two younger, 
than myself; and although he endeavoured to keep his children 
within the limits of truth, yet opportunities sometimes occurred to 
join with vain companions. But the Lord was graciously near 
to my poor soul in my tender years ; and he followed me with 
his reproofs, and his dread made me afraid. 

When I was about thirteen years of age, I was placed w iili one 
of my elder brothers who was married, and lived at some -dis- 
tance from my father's residence. 1 was here without am parental 
restraint; and mixing with gay associates, I lost much of ni\ 
youthful innocence, and was led wide from the salutary path of 
true religion, learning to sing vain songs, and to take delight in 
running horses. Yet I did not give way to any thing which 
was commonly accounted disreputable, having always a regard n< 
strict honesty, and to such a line of conduct as comported with 



ELIAS HICKS. 9 

politeness and good breeding. Nevertheless, I became considerably 
hardened in vanity, and on several occasions in riding races was 
exposed to great danger ; and had it not been for the providen- 
tial care of my heavenly father, my life would have fallen a 
sacrifice to my folly and indiscretion. O my soul, what wilt, or 
canst thou render unto the Lord for all his benefits, for his mer- 
cies are new every morning ! 

About the seventeenth )^ear of my age, I was put an apprentice 
to learn the trade of a house carpenter and joiner, and this by no 
means placed me in a more favourable situation than before ; for 
my master, although considered an orderly man, and one who 
frequently attended Friends' meetings, was yet in an eager pur- 
suit after temporal riches, and was of but little use to me in my 
religious improvement. We had to go from place to place, as 
our business called, to attend to our work, and I was thereby 
introduced into hurtful company, and learned to dance and to 
pursue other frivolous and vain amusements. During my ap- 
prenticeship I passed through many trials and much exposure ; 
and I have often thought, that had it not been for the interposition 
of divine mercy and goodness, I should have fallen a prey to the 
varied temptations which surrounded me ; for although I w T as 
overtaken in many faults, in which my poor soul was deeply 
wounded, and for which I afterwards felt the just indignation of 
an offended God, yet when I have looked back on this scene of 
my life, and recounted the many snares that I escaped, all that is 
truly sensible within me has been bowed in humble admiration 
of the Lord's mercies and deliverance ; and in reverent gratitude, 
I' was made to praise and magnify his great and adorable name, 
"who is over all, God blessed for ever." In the midst of my vanity 
and exposure, the Lord, as a gracious father, was often near ; and 
when I was alone, he inclined my mind to solid meditations. — 
Some of my leisure hours were occupied in reading the Scrip- 
tures, in which I took considerable delight, and it tended to my 
real profit and religious improvement. 

Mf youthful companions would often endeavour to persuade 
me and each other, that the amusements, in which we spent 
much of our precious time, were innocent ; yet being very early 

2 



10 JOURNAL OF 

convinced by the divine light that its teachings were truth, it had, 
in my calmer moments, an ascendency in my mind over all the 
reasonings and persuasions of men. Nevertheless, I had such a 
proneness to levity and self-gratification, that I often ran counter 
to clear conviction, and went on for a considerable time, sinning 
and repenting ; for the Lord in great mercy had regard to me 
in my tried condition, and often opened a door of reconciliation to 
my poor soul. But I was too weak to keep my covenants in the 
midst of so many temptations, until by his righteous judgments, 
mixed with adorable mercy, he opened to my mind, in a very 
clear manner, the danger I was in of falling into eternal ruin. 

Under the weight of this impression, my heart, in the midst of 
merriment, was often made very sad ; and while engaged in the 
dance my soul was deeply sensible of its evil and folly : even my 
reasoning powers, when thus enlightened by the clear evidence 
of divine light, were made to loathe it as a senseless and insipid 
pursuit, and utterly unworthy of a rational being. But although 
I formed resolutions to refrain from this evil and others of a like 
nature, yet it was difficult to resist the importunities of my com- 
panions ; and I found by experience, that if I would altogether 
cease from them, I must wholly withdraw from the company of 
those who were inclined to such pursuits. On the last occasion 
that I was present at a dance, and in which I was pressed to 
take a part, I was brought under great concern of mind, and 
was struck with a belief, that if I now gave way after forming 
so many resolutions, and should again rebel against the light, I 
might be left in an obdurate situation, and never have another 
offer of pardon. I also clearly saw that this would be just, and 
that my blood would be upon my own head ; and feeling the 
dread of the Almighty to cover me, and a cry raised in my soul 
towards him, when I was called to participate in the dance, it 
seemed as though all my limbs were fettered, and I sat down 
and informed the company that I was now resolved to go no 
further. J was deeply tried, but the Lord was graciously near; 
and as my cry was secretly to him for strength, he enabled me 
to covenant with him, that If he would be pleased in mercy to 
empower me, I would for ever cease from this vain and sinful 



ELIAS HICKS. 11 

amusement ; and he instructed me, that if 1 would escape the 
danger of another trial, I must keep myself separate from such 
companions ; and blessed for ever be his right worthy name, in 
that he hath enabled me to keep this my covenant with him 
from that time inviolate. 

In looking back to this season of deep probation, my soul has 
been deeply humbled ; for I had cause to believe that if I had 
withstood at this time the merciful interposition of divine love, 
and had rebelled against this clear manifestation of the Lord's 
will, he would have withdrawn his light from me, and my por- 
tion would have been among the wicked, cast out for ever from 
the favourable presence of my judge. I should also for ever have 
been obliged to acknowledge his mercy and justice, and acquit 
the Lord my redeemer, who had done so much for me ; for with 
long-suffering and much abused mercy he had waited patiently 
for my return, and would have gathered me before that time, as 
I well knew, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, 
but I would not. Therefore it is the earnest desire of my spirit, 
that the youth, and others whom it may concern, may wisely 
ponder their ways, and not think that the frivolous excuses which 
those make, who endeavour to justify themselves in such vain 
and wicked diversions, by saying that then parents judge it 
innocent, or their teachers have instructed them so to believe, or 
that under the law it was deemed admissible, will stand them in 
any stead in the day of -solemn inquisition : for what are all these 
carnal reasonings worth, when weighed in the balance of the 
sanctuary, against one single conviction of the divine light in 
the secret of the heart. The last is clear and self-evident ; the 
others are mere evasive excuses : and I often reflect with sur- 
prise on the conduct of those parents, who are spending their 
substance in hiring idle dancingmasters to teach their children 
this unnatural and unchristian practice, and who plead for ex- 
cuse the example of righteous David. But how unlike is their 
dancing to his, who did it only in worship and honour to his 
God, and in conformity with the outward dispensation under 
which he lived. We have, however, a better and higher exam- 
ple than David, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the mediator of a 



12 JOURNAL OF 

better covenant ; this covenant is inivard, even the law written 
upon the heart, which no outward example of others can ever 
abrogate or disannul ; nor do his doctrines or self-denying exam- 
ple in any wise approbate or justify this foolish and idle practice, 
but, in all parts thereof, condemn and disapprove it : for if none 
can be his disciples, except those who deny themselves, and take 
up their cross daily, as assuredly no others can, how can those 
be acceptable to him who are living in the daily gratification of 
their own licentious wills, and spending their precious time and 
talents in such fruitless and vain sports. 

His self-denying apostles also have left us neither example nor 
precept in justification of such wanton and evil amusements ; but 
we are exhorted by them to redeem the time, because the days 
are evil, and to use diligence to make our calling and election sure, 
and to follow them as they followed Christ : there is not a word 
of learning to dance, or of dancingmasters, but an exhortation 
to abstain from all idle and vain sports, and foolish talking and 
jesting, which are contrary to Christian gravity, and to the self- 
denying example of the blessed Jesus, who, when personally on 
earth, was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and, 
therefore, the house of mourning is recommended to all who are 
wise in heart, for it is the fool's heart only that is captivated in 
the house of mirth. 

My apprenticeship being now expired, I gradually withdrew 
from the company of my former associates, became more ac- 
quainted with Friends, and was more frequent in my attendance 
of meetings ; and although this was in some degree profitable to 
me, yet I made but slow progress in my religious improvement, 
until several years after I had entered into a married state. The 
occupation of part of pry time in fishing and fowling liad fre- 
quently tended to preserve me from falling into hurtful associa- 
tions ; but through the rising intimations and reproofs of divine 
grace in my heart, I now oegan to feel that the manner in which 
I sometimes amused myself with my gun was not without 
Ban; for although I mostly preferred going alone, and while 
Waiting in stillness for the coining of the fowl, my mind was at. 
times BO taken up in divine meditations, that the opportunities 



ELIAS HICKS. 13 

were seasons of instruction and comfort to me ; yet, on other 
occasions, when accompanied by some of my acquaintances, and 
when no fowls appeared which would be useful to us after being 
obtained, we sometimes, from wantonness or for mere diversion, 
would destroy the small birds which could be of no service to us. 
This cruel procedure affects my heart while penning these lines ; 
but my gracious Redeemer was drawing my mind from such 
low amusements, and I was led to consider conduct like this 
to be a great breach of trust, and an infringement of the divine 
prerogative. It therefore became a settled principle with me, not 
to take the life of any creature, except it was really useful and 
necessary when dead, or very noxious and hurtful when living. 
And, in exercising this privilege, we ought to be careful to do it 
in the most mild and tender manner in our power ; for I think 
every candid mind must be convinced, that the liberty we have 
for taking the lives of other creatures, and using their bodies to 
support our own, is certainly an unmerited favour, and ought to be 
received by us as the bounty of our great benefactor, and be 
acknowledged with great humility and gratitude. 

I have likewise from reflection, founded on observation, and 
from the nature and reason of things, been led to believe, that we 
frequently err by the liberty we take in destroying what we 
esteem noxious creatures ; and not only abuse the power given us 
over them by our great Creator, but likewise act very contrary to our 
own true interest. For, as all in the beginning was pronounced 
good that the good God had made, we ought not to destroy any 
thing that has life, for mere gratification. It is our indispensable 
duty, as reasonable accountable beings, wisely to ponder our 
ways, and consider the consequent effect of all our conduct ; for 
if we are to give an account of every idle word, how much more 
so of every presumptuous act. 

In the twenty-second year of my age, apprehending it right to 
change my situation from a single to a married state, and having 
gained an intimate acquaintance with Jemima Seaman, daughter 
of Jonathan and Elizabeth Seaman, of Jericho, and my affection 
being drawn towards her in that relation, I communicated my 
views to her, and received from her a corresponding expression 



14 JOURNAL OP 

of affection ; and having the full unity and concurrence of our 
parents and friends, we, after some time, accomplished our mar- 
riage at a solemn meeting of Friends, at Westbury, on the 2d of 
1st month, 1771. On this important occasion, we felt the clear 
and consoling evidence of divine truth, and it remained with us 
as a seal upon our spirits, strengthening us mutually to bear, with 
becoming fortitude, the vicissitudes and trials which fell to our 
lot, and of which we had a large share in passing through this 
probationary state. My wife, although not of a very strong Con- 
stitution, lived to be the mother of eleven children, four sons 
and seven daughters. Our second daughter, a very lovely 
promising child, died when young with the small pox, and the 
youngest was not living at its birth. The rest all arrived to 
years of discretion, and afforded us considerable comfort, as they 
proved to be in a good degree dutiful children. All our sons, 
however, were of weak constitutions, and were not able to take 
care of themselves, being so enfeebled as not to be able to walk 
after the ninth or tenth year of their age. The two eldest died 
in the fifteenth year of their age, the third in his seventeenth 
year, and the youngest was nearly nineteen when he died. But, 
although thus helpless, the innocency of their lives, and the re- 
signed cheerfulness of their dispositions to their allotments, made 
the labour and toil of taking care of them agreeable and pleasant ; 
and I trust we were preserved from murmuring or repining, 
believing the dispensation to be in wisdom, and according to the 
will and gracious disposing of an all-wise providence, for pur- 
poses best known to himself. And when I have observed the 
great anxiety and affliction, which many parents have with 
undutiful children who are favoured with health, especially their 
sons, I could perceive very few whose troubles and exercises, on 
that account, did not far exceed ours. The weakness and 
bodily infirmity of our sons tended to keep them much out of the 
way of the troubles and temptations of the world ; and we believed 
that in their death they were happy, and admitted into the realms 
of peace and joy: a reflection, the most comfortable and joyous 
that parents can have in regard to the* tender offspring. 



ELIAS HICKS. 15 

In the spring after our marriage, my wife's relations gave me 
an invitation to come and live with them, -and carry on the busi- 
ness of their farm, they having no other child than her. I 
accepted this proposal, and continued with them during their 
lives, and the place afterwards became my settled residence. 
My advantages, in a religious point of view, were greater than 
before ; as I had the benefit of the compan)^ of several worthy 
Friends, who were my neighbours, and by whose example I was 
frequently incited to seriousness and piety ; yet, having entered 
pretty closely into business, I was thereby much diverted from 
my religious improvement for several years. But, about the 
twenty-sixth year of my age, I was again brought, by the opera- 
tive influence of divine grace, under deep concern of mind; 
and was led, through adorable mercy, to see, that although I had 
ceased from many sins and vanities of my youth, yet there were 
many remaining that I was still guilty of, which were not yet 
atoned for, and for which I now felt the judgments of God to 
rest upon me. This caused me to cry earnestly to the Most 
High for pardon and redemption, and he graciously condescended 
to hear my cry, and to open a way before me, wherein I must 
walk, in order to experience reconciliation with him ; and as I 
abode in watchfulness and deep humiliation before him, light 
broke forth out of obscurity, and my darkness became as the 
noon-day. I had many deep openings in the visions of light, 
greatly strengthening and establishing to my exercised mind. 
My spirit was brought under a close and weighty labour in 
meetings for discipline, and my understanding much enlarged 
therein ; and I felt a concern to speak to some of the subjects 
engaging the meeting's attention, which often brought unspeak- 
able comfort to my mind. About this time, I began to have 
openings leading to the ministry, which brought me under close 
exercise and deep travail of spirit ; for although I had for some 
time spoken on subjects of business in monthly and preparative 
meetings, yet the prospect of opening my mouth in public meet- 
ings was a close trial ; but I endeavoured to keep my mind quiet 
and resigned to the heavenly call, if it should be made clear to 
me to be my duty. Nevertheless, as I was, soon after, sitting in 



16 JOURNAL OF 

a meeting, in much weightiness of spirit, a secret, though clear, 
intimation accompanied me to speak a few words, which were 
then given to me to utter, yet fear so prevailed, that I did not 
yield to the intimation. For this omission, I felt close rebuke, 
and judgment seemed, for some time, to cover my mind ; but as 
I humbled myself under the Lord's mighty hand, he again lifted 
up the light of his countenance upon me, and enabled me to 
renew covenant with him, that if he would pass by this my 
offence, I would, in future, be faithful, if he should again require 
such a service of me. And it was not long before I felt an im- 
pressive concern to utter a few words, which I yielded to in great 
fear and dread ; but O the joy and sweet consolation that my 
soul experienced, as a reward for this act of faithfulness ; and as 
I continued persevering in duty and watchfulness, I witnessed 
an increase in divine knowledge, and an enlargement in my 
gift. I was also deeply engaged for the right administration of 
discipline and order in the Church, and that all might be kept 
sweet and clean, consistent with the nature and purity of the 
holy profession we were making; so that all stumbling blocks 
might be removed out of the way of honest inquirers, and that 
truth's testimony might be exalted, and the Lord's name magni- 
fied, " who is over all, God blessed for ever." 

A war, with all its cruel and destructive effects, having raged 
for several years between the British Colonies in North America 
and the mother country, Friends, as well as others, were exposed 
to many severe trials and Sufferings ; yet, in the colony of New- 
York, Friends, who stood faithful to their principles, and did not 
meddle in the controversy, had, after a short period at first, con- 
siderable favour allowed them. The yearly meeting was held 
steadily, during the war, on Long Island, where the king's 
party had the rule; yet Friends from the Main, where the 
American army ruled, had free passage through both armies to 
attend it, and any other meetings they were desirous of attend- 
ing, except in a few instances. This was a favour which the 
parties would not grant to (heir best friend;--, who were of a war- 
like disposition ; which shows what great advantages would 
redound to mankind, were they all of this pacific spirit. I passed 



ELIAS HICKS. 17 

myself through the lines of both armies six times during the 
war. without molestation, both parties generally receiving me 
with openness and civility : and although I had to pass over a 
tract of country, between the two armies, sometimes more than 
thirty miles in extent, and which was much frequented by rob- 
bers, a set. in general, of cruel unprincipled banditti, issuing out 
from both parties, yet. excepting once. I met with no interruption 
even from them. But although Friends in general experienced 
many favours and deliverances, yet those scenes of war and con- 
fusion occasioned many trials and provings in various ways to 
the faithful. One circumstance I am willing to mention, as it 
caused me considerable exercise and concern. There was a 
large cellar under the new meeting-house belonging to Friends 
in New- York, which was generally let as a store. When the 
king's troops entered the city, they took possession of it for the 
puq>ose of depositing then warlike stores : and ascertaining 
what Friends had the care of letting it. their commissary came 
forward and offered to pay the rent : and those Friends, for want 
of due consideration, accepted it. This caused great uneasiness 
to the concerned part of the Society, who apprehended it not con- 
sistent with our peaceable principles to receive payment for the 
depositing of military stores in our houses. The subject was 
brought before the yearly meeting in 1779. and engaged its 
careful attention : but those Friends, who had been active in the 
reception of the money, and some few others, were not willing 
to acknowledge their proceedings to be inconsistent, nor to return 
the money to those from whom it was received ; and in order to 
justify themselves therein, they referred to the conduct of Friends 
in Philadelphia in similar cases. Matters thus appearing very 
difficult and embarrassing, it was unitedly concluded to refer the 
final determination thereof to the yearly meeting of Pennsylva- 
nia : and several Friends were appointed to attend that meeting 
in relation thereto, among whom I was one of the number. "We 
accordingly set out on the 9th day of the 9th month, 1779, and I 
was accompanied from home by my beloved friend John "Willis, 
who was likewise on tire appointment. We took a solemn leave 
of our families, thev feeling much anxiety at parting with us, 

3 



18 JOURNAL OP 

on account of the dangers we were exposed to, having to pass 
not only the lines of the two armies, but the deserted and almost 
uninhabited country that lay between them, in many places the 
grass being grown up in the streets, and many houses desolate 
and empty. Believing it, however, my duty to proceed in the 
service, my mind was so settled and trust-fixed in the divine arm 
of power, that faith seemed to banish all fear, and cheerfulness 
and quiet resignation were, I believe, my constant companions 
during the journey. We got permission, with but little difficulty, 
to pass the outguards of the king's army at Kingsbridge, and 
proceeded to Westchester. We afterwards attended meetings 
at Harrison's Purchase, and Oblong, having the concurrence of 
our monthly meeting to take some meetings in our way, a con- 
cern leading thereto having for some time previously attended my 
mind. We passed from thence to Nine Partners, and attended 
their monthly meeting, and then turned our faces towards Phila- 
delphia, being joined by several others of the Committee. We 
attended New Marlborough, Hardwick, and Kingwood meet- 
ings on our journey, and arrived at Philadelphia on the 7th day 
of the week, and 25th of 9th month, on which day we attended 
the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders, which began at the 
eleventh hour. I also attended all the sittings of the yearly 
meeting until the 4th day of the next week, and was then so 
indisposed with a fever, which had been increasing on me for 
several days, that I was not able to attend after that time. I was 
therefore not present when the subject was discussed, which came 
from our yearly meeting ; but I was informed by my companion, 
that it was a very solemn opportunity, and the matter was re- 
sulted in advising that the money should be returned into the 
office from whence it was received, accompanied with our rea- 
sons for so doing : and (his was accordingly done by the direction 
of our yearly meeting the next year. 

The yearly meeting closed on the 2d day of the following 
week : and feeling my health a little restored, though still very 
weak, I left the city, and was taken by my kind friend John 
Shoemaker to his house. The next morning being rainy, and 
being still unwell, I rested here during the day, but my com- 



ELIAS HICKS. 19 

panion proceeded to attend the monthly meeting at the Falls. 
The next day I went to Byberry meeting, after which I rode 
with our valuable friend James Thornton to John Watson's, at 
Middletown, where I was again joined by my companion. We 
attended their monthly meeting, and found things in but poor 
order, and discipline at a low ebb, for want of faithful standard 
bearers. We then attended meetings, to some satisfaction, at 
Wright's Town, Plumbstead, and Buckingham. From thence 
we proceeded to the monthly meeting at Hardwick, where things 
appeared very low as to the right exercise of discipline ; but feel- 
ing our minds engaged, we laboured, in the ability received, for 
their assistance and encouragement. After this we passed on 
to the Drowned Lands, and attended a meeting with the few 
Friends of that place, and some others who came in ; but things, 
pertaining to religion, seemed at a very low ebb with them, which 
makes hard work for the poor traveller. From thence we went 
pretty directly to Nine Partners, and after having two meetings 
there, we proceeded to Oswego and Appoquague, and then to the 
monthly meeting at Oblong, in all which meetings truth wag 
exalted, and I left them with peace of mind. We then turned 
our faces homeward, and after going a few miles on our way, we 
were overtaken by a constable, with a warrant from a magis- 
trate to bring my companion before him, who, after examina- 
tion, committed him to a board of commissioners, as a dangerous 
person to travel at such a time. We were led to believe, on 
inquiry, that this interruption was merely the fruit of envy, and 
occasioned by two acquaintances of my companion, who had 
fled from the Island for refuge. However, after a short deten- 
tion, which gave me an opportunity of visiting a few families of 
my relations, and of attending a small meeting which I had 
passed from in some heaviness before, he was set at liberty, and 
we attended the quarterly meeting at Oblong. After this we 
passed on, taking meetings at Peachpond, Amawalk, and the 
monthly meeting at Purchase, and from thence proceeded home. 
I found my family well, which, together with the preservations 
and favours experienced in our journey, impressed my mind with 
thankfulness and gratitude to the great and blessed author of all 



20 JOURNAL OF 

our mercies. I was from home in this journey about nine weeks, 
and rode about eight hundred and sixty miles. 

After the close of the aforesaid journey, I felt my mind en- 
gaged to make a general visit to Friends on the Main belonging 
to our yearly meeting ; and with the concurrence of Friends, 
and in company with William Valentine, who, under a like con- 
cern, had agreed to be my companion, I left home on the 1st 
of the week, and 4th of 3d month, 1781, in order to accomplish 
the same. We sat with Friends in our own meeting, and then 
proceeded to Flushing ; and the next day, the commanding offi- 
cer of the king's troops at this place permitting us, we crossed 
the Sound to Frog's Neck, and lodged with our friend Joseph 
Caustin. On the following day we attended an appointed meet- 
ing at Westchester, and then went forward, taking meetings as 
they came in course for fifteen days successively, the last at Lit- 
tle Nine Partners : and although in many places meetings ap- 
peared in a low state, as to the life of religion, yet, through divine 
favour, help was afforded, insomuch that I generally left them 
with the satisfactory evidence, that my way had been rightly 
directed among them. 

After the last mentioned meeting we set forward towards Sara- 
toga, and lodged that night at an inn. The innkeeper's wife, 
in the course of some conversation, discovered that my companion 
and I were from Long Island, where the king's party bore rule ; 
and she, being a friend to their cause, seemed to wonder much, 
that we should leave them, and come out among the Americans, 
signifying that if she was there, she should not be willing to 
come away ; and when I informed her that I expected we should 
shortly return thither again, her admiration w as still more ex- 
cited, and she was surprised how we should dare to act so: 
whereupon I took occasion to acquaint her how we stood in 
regard to the contending parties ; informing her that, as we took 
no part in the controversy, but were friends to them and to all 
mankind, and were principled against all wars and fightings, the 
contending powers had such confidence in us, and favour towards 
us, that they Let us pass freely on religious accounts, through 
both their armies without interruption; a privilege, w hich they 



ELIAS HICKS. 21 

would not grant to their own people. This account made her 
marvel greatly, having never heard of the like before. She 
acknowledged it was very good, and wished for herself that she 
could come into the same situation, but said she could not, unless 
she first had retaliation for the wrongs she had received, after 
which, she said she should be willing to forgive them ; not con- 
sidering, that there was nothing to be forgiven, where full pay 
or satisfaction had been received. Nevertheless, this is the natural 
condition and disposition of all wordly-minded men and women, 
who have not known, through the powerful influence of the 
gospel of Christ, the work of regeneration and the new birth, 
whereby they might experience redemption from such a malicious 
and revengeful spirit. 

On the next day we proceeded to Coeman's Patent, on the 
west side of Hudson river, which we crossed at a place called 
Claverack landing. We reached there on 7th day evening, 
and the following day had a meeting with the few Friends, 
who had lately settled at that place, and some of their neighbours, 
who were mostly Baptists. It was the first Friends' meeting 
ever held there, and was a satisfactory season. We then rode 
that afternoon about twelve miles towards Albany, and lodged 
at an inn ; and the next day we reached Saratoga, since called 
Easton, and lodged with our friend Daniel Cornell. It was late 
in the night before we arrived, and the evening snowy ; and 
the country being newly settled, Friends' houses were generally 
but poor, so that several times, while in these parts, I felt the 
snow fall on my face when in bed. This affected me with a 
heavy cold when I first came here, but afterwards I was much 
favoured during the journey, having in good measure become 
inured to the hardships we had to go through. We attended 
the meetings belonging to tins monthly meeting, being four 
in number ; viz. Saratoga alias Easton, Danby about forty miles 
further to the north east, White Creek, and Hoosack. The 
monthly meeting was held alternately at this latter place and 
Saratoga. We also visited nearly all the families belonging to 
this monthly meeting, and had good satisfaction, and a peaceful 
reward of our labours. From thence we went to New Britain 



22 JOURNAL OF 

and visited three families, in each of which there was but one 
member of our Society. We then returned to Nine Partners, and 
attended their monthly meeting, also several other meetings in 
that neighbourhood which we were not at in our way up. After 
this we attended Oblong quarterly meeting, and next the monthly 
meeting of Shapaqua ; and then taking meetings at Purchase, 
Mamaroneck and Westchester, we passed the Sound again, and 
got safe home the 15th day of 5th month. I was gladly received 
by my family and friends, having been absent on this journey 
about ten weeks, and rode about eight hundred and fifty miles. 
We attended thirty-two meetings, six of which were monthly meet- 
ings, and one quarterly meeting, and visited about ninety families. 
It was in the latter part of this journey, between Mamaroneck 
and Westchester, that we met with the interruption, which I 
before alluded to, from some of those robbers, who frequented the 
country between the two armies. I was a little ahead of my 
companion and some other Friends, and was met, and accosted 
by two of those persons in a very rough manner. I did not see 
them until they spoke, and one of them demanded very rudely 
to know where we were going. I looked calmly upon him, and 
informed him, without the least interruption of mind, where we 
were intending to go. He then interrogated me further, as to 
where we had been, what our business was, and where we were 
from, to all of which I gave true and suitable answers in a mild 
and pleasant tone. They seemed thereby to be entirely dis- 
armed of their rage and violence, although they had just before 
robbed and beat a man ; and the one, who had hitherto stood 
silent, being the most overcome, said to his fellow, " Come, let 
us go, the Quakers go where they please ;" and, then turning 
away, they left us to pursue our journey without further interrup- 
tion. I considered this as a merciful preservation through the 
interference of divine providence, who, by his power, not only sets 
bounds do the sea, and saith, " Hitherto sha.lt thou come, but no 
further; and here shall thy proud wastes be slaved," but also 
limits the page and will of wicked men, and turns them from then- 
pin^ >se ; and thereby delivers, from their power and cruelty, 
those that put their trust in hiiu. 



ELIAS HICKS. 23 

In the fall of the year 1781, I was taken sick with a fever, 
which lasted for several months, in the course of which my 
strength became very much exhausted, and some of my friends 
were ready to conclude, that I should not continue long with 
them; yet, through the whole of my indisposition, I had to 
believe that I should recover. But through the exercise and 
distress both of body and mind which I experienced, it proved 
a very humbling dispensation to me. One circumstance in 
particular made it peculiarly exercising to my mind, although it 
was that on which I principally grounded my belief of recovery. 
When I was reduced nearly to the lowest state of bodily weak- 
ness, a prospect opened on my mind to pay a religious visit to 
some parts of our island where no Friends lived, and among a 
people, who, from the acquaintance I had with them, were more 
likely to mock, than to receive me, seeing that I considered 
myself but a child in such a service. But when the prospect first 
presented, it was very impressive on my mind, and an injunc- 
tion seemed to attend requiring my assent thereto ; and although 
I pleaded as an excuse my weakness and inability of body, as 
well as my unfitness, even if I was well, for such a service, yet 
with all my reasonings and pleadings I could feel no excuse 
granted me, and the requisition lay heavy upon me both day 
and night. By my thus standing out, I was brought very low both 
in body and mind ; and finding that I could get no peace in this 
state of refusal, and that if I did not yield, my life must be taken 
for my stubbornness without any prospect of peace hereafter, I 
at length yielded to the heavenly call, which brought immediate 
peace and comfort to my afflicted soul ; and the Lord was very 
gracious, opening many tilings for my encouragement. In the 
forepart of the next summer, having frilly recovered my health, and 
apprehending the right time had arrived to perform this sendee, 
I opened it to the monthly meeting, and obtained its unity and 
concurrence, and two Friends agreed to bear me company. We 
set out about the middle of the 8th month, 17S2, and had a very 
favoured meeting at Jamaica, with a considerable number of 
the inhabitants. After this we had a meeting at Samuel Doughty's, 
on the south side of the island, and then passed on to a Dutch 



24 JOURNAL OP 

settlement called Flatlands, where we had some difficulty to 
obtain a meeting, in consequence of the priest of the place being 
opposed thereto. The people seemed generally afraid to offend 
him, but said that if he would consent, they should be very 
willing to attend. However his assent could not be obtained, 
for he appeared very jealous lest his interest in the people should 
be affected. But there was one man, who seemed so much 
master of his own house, that he said we were welcome to have 
a meeting in it, let others say what they might. A meeting was 
accordingly appointed, which, although small, was a satisfactory 
opportunity. The master of the house and his wife, in an espe- 
cial manner, seemed much affected therewith, and pressed us to 
come and see them again. From thence we passed on, and had 
meetings at Gravesend, New-Utrecht, and Springfield, all to good 
satisfaction. From the latter we proceeded home, feeling the 
comfortable reward of peace for this service, and very thankful to 
the Lord, my gracious helper, for his countenance and support 
therein. May his name be praised for ever. 

In the latter part of 1782, I attended, with a committee of the 
yearly meeting, the quarterly meeting on the Main, and the 
monthly meetings thereunto belonging, on a proposition from 
the said quarterly meeting for a division thereof. We were 
absent about seven weeks, and rode about six hundred and sixty 
miles. 



ELIAS HICKS. 



25 



CHAPTER II. 

Visit to Nine Partners, 1783.— Visit on Long Island, 1784. — Visit to New- York 
and Statcn Island, 1790. — Visit to Vermont, 1790. — Visit on Long Island, 
1791.— General visit to Friends of New- York yearly Meeting, 1791. — Visit 
to the Meetings of Ministers and Elders, 1792. — Visit to Friends in New- 
England and Vermont, 1793. 



In the fall of the year 1783, I attended the quarterly meeting 
at Nine Partners, also the meeting for sufferings, which was held 
there at this time ; and, on my return, I was at the meetings 
held at Oswego and Perquage. I was from home about eleven 
days, and rode about one hundred and seventy miles. The re- 
ward of peaee which I felt for this little service, and finding my 
family well on my return, excited gratitude and thankfulness of 
heart to the author of all our mercies and blessings ; who richly 
rewardeth every labour of his dependent and devoted children. 

A concern having for some time impressed my mind to pay a 
religious visit to the inhabitants of some of the adjacent towns, 
who were not in profession with us, and having obtained the 
unity and concurrence of my friends therein, I left home on the 
1st day of the week, and 13th of 6th month, 1784, in order to 
perform that service. I attended our own meeting in the fore- 
noon ; and, in the afternoon, one appointed at Hempstead Har- 
bour, to good satisfaction. Our next appointment was on 2d 
day, at a village called Herricks, where there was but little pro- 
fession as to religion; nevertheless, we had a refreshing season 
among them. The power and presence of the Lord were wit- 
nessed to preside amongst us in an eminent manner. Many 
hearts were tendered ; and the peaceable kingdom and govern- 
ment of the Messiah was. exalted : to Zion's king may all the 
praise be ascribed, who only is worthy for ever. 

4 



26 JOURNAL OF 

From thence we went to the widow Cornell's at Success, 
where we lodged, and had a satisfactory meeting there the next 
day ; many present were affected by the power of truth, which 
ran freely over all, to the comfort and refreshment of the sincere- 
hearted. After this we rode to Benjamin Doughty's and lodged ; 
and the next day we had a meeting at the Little Plains, about a 
mile from our lodgings, among a loose airy people. The Lord's 
power was manifest for our help, bringing things close home to 
their several conditions. The day following, Ave attended two 
meetings, one at Jamaica, and the other at a place called the 
Fresh Meadows, near Flushing. Although the people were too 
generally at ease, and in an unconcerned state, with regard to their 
religious improvement, yet, through the interposition of divine 
goodness and mercy, some hearts were tendered by the convicting 
power of truth, and ourselves comforted in the faithful discharge 
of duty. After these opportunities, we rode to our friend Isaac 
Underhill'3 at Flushing, and lodged ; and the next day attended 
a meeting appointed in Friends' meeting-house in that town, 
wherein the Master's presence was witnessed, to the comfort and 
satisfaction of the upright in heart. 

From thence we went to Newtown, and lodged with a man 
not in profession with us. We had a meeting at his house the 
following day, wherein the spirit of truth favoured with gospel 
communication, suited to the states of those present, and relieving 
to my own mind. The four following days we attended meet- 
ings at the Kilns in Newtown, Bushwick, Brooklyn, Flatbush, 
Flatlands, and Gravesend. After the last, we turned our faces 
homeward, having a meeting at Samuel Doughty's, and another 
at a wigwam, among the black' people and Indians ; both satis- 
factory seasons. The next meeting was at Springfield, among 
a people, who appeared to be in a state of great darkness ; but 
the Lord was pleased, by his own power, to command the light 
to shine in many hearts; insomuch that the meeting ended 
under divine favour. To Him alone may all the praise be 
ascribed, who is worthy for ever. The day following, attended 
two meetings j one at Foster's Meadow, the other at the widow 
Keziah Mott's. 



EL I AS HICKS. 27 

After this we rode to my father's at Rockaway, on the south 
side of the Island ; and the next day attended a meeting there. 
The day following attended two meetings at Hempstead South, 
the latter at the house of our friend John Smith ; all, I trust, in 
a good degree, profitable and instructive seasons. Our next and 
last appointment, at this time, was in the town of Hempstead, the 
folloAving day. It was a large satisfactory opportunity ; wherein 
divine help was afforded to minister suitably to the states of those 
present, and to the comfort and edification of many minds. To 
the Master of our assemblies, be the praise. Nothing is due to 
man. From hence I returned home, and found my family well ; 
having rode, whilst out, about one hundred miles. 

A few weeks after my return from the aforesaid visit to the 
inhabitants of some of the adjacent towns, not feeling my mind 
relieved from the service, I again left home on the 4th of the 8th 
month following, in order to finish the visit. The first meeting 
I attended was again at Hempstead ; and from thence proceeded 
along the south side of the island, having meetings at Thomas 
Seaman's near Jerusalem, and Thomas Sands' at Huntington 
South. The next was at Islip, on 7th day; but not feeling 
clear, I appointed another the following day, being the 1st of the 
week. This proved a satisfactory season. The same afternoon, 
I attended another meeting about thirteen miles farther east, at a 
place called Blue Point. Thence passing on along the south 
side of the island, I attended meetings at Patchogue, the Fire 
Place, South Hampton, North Sea, Amaganset and Montauk at 
the east end of the island, among the Indian natives. In all of 
them, strength was afforded to preach the gospel in a good degree 
of divine authority, and to the general satisfaction of those 
assembled, and the solid peace of my own mind, 
i After the meeting at Montauk among the natives, we returned 
that afternoon to a meeting at East Hampton, which we had 
appointed in our way down, and was held at the fifth hour. The 
priest of the town, and a considerable number of his hearers, 
attended, and all passed away quiet. We went from thence to 
the north part of the island, having meetings at Sagharbour, 
Shelter Island, South Hold, Oyster Pond Point, and Stephen 



28 JOURNAL OF 

Vail's, a little back from the Point ; thence back by Riverhead 
to St. George's Manor, where we had a meeting, and all satis- 
factory seasons. We passed from thence b}^ Wading River 
to Setauket, and Stonybrook, holding meetings at the two 
last places to good satisfaction. The meeting at Setauket, espe- 
cially, was a solemn time ; the Lord's presence was witnessed, to 
the tendering many hearts. After this we took meetings at 
Jonah Wood's, and James Oakley's, and from thence returned 
home, and found my family well ; for which favour, with the 
peace and satisfaction I felt in the performance of this tour of 
duty, my mind was inspired with gratitude and humble acknow- 
ledgments to the Lord, my gracious helper. 

In the 12th month following, feeling my mind drawn to a 
few places eastward, on the north part of the island, I again left 
home on the 2d of said month, and took meetings at Huntington, 
Cowharbour, Crab Meadow, Smithtown, Setauket, Wading 
River, Q,uoram, Joshua Smith's near the branch; and from 
thence home. In all those meetings, truth favoured me with 
ability to discharge myself faithfulfy, to the peace of my own 
mind ; and, I trust, to the edification and instruction of the honest- 
minded in the several meetings. 

Having felt drawings on my mind to pay a religious visit to 
some, not in profession with us, on the western part of our island, 
New- York, and Staten Island, and obtaining the concurrence of 
our monthly meeting, I proceeded therein, the 28th of 3d month, 
1790, Fry Willis kindly bearing me company. Our first appoint- 
ment was at Newtown, at the widow Smith's, who received us, 
and opened her house for a meeting, which was held to good 
satisfaction. The next day we had two meetings ; the first, at 
Friends' meeting-houso at the Kilns, the other, in the evening, 
at a neighbouring \ Hinge, palled Juniper Swamp J both favoured 
seasons, many hearts feeing tendered by (lie prevalence of the 
spirit oC truth, which, through heavenly help, was exalted over 
nil. The day following, way opening therefor, we had a meeting 
at Hurlgate in the afternoon, to the general satisfaction of those 
present} and to my own comfort; having been enabled to dis- 
charge myself faithfully, in n plain way among them. After this 



ELI AS HICKS. 29 

we proceeded to New- York, and the evening of the next day, we 
had a large, and. I trust, profitable meeting, hi a public building 
called the City Tavern. Our next appointment was in Friends' 
meeting-house, the evening following : it was a very large col- 
lection, and, through the gracious extendings of divine caercy, the 
power of truth was exalted over all. to the comfort and strength of 
my own mind, and the solid satisfaction and rejoicing of many 
present. 

The day following we passed to Staten Island, and the next 
day, being the 1st of the week, we had two meetings : the first, 
at the house of Peter Prawl, who was favourably inclined towards 
Friends. It was a favoured season, wherein the Master's pre- 
sence was witnessed eminently to preside, and in the precious 
influence thereof, the gospel was preached in demonstration of the 
Spirit, and with power, to the awakening and tendering the hearts 
of many present : to the Lord only wise, be the praise and glory 
of his own work ; for he only is worthy for ever. The meeting 
in the afternoon, held at the house of the widow of our friend 
Thomas Ridgway. proved a trying season, but I trust ended well. 
We had two more meetings on the island the next day, and the 
solemnity attending gave encouragement to hope, that they were 
of some use to those assembled. After this we returned to 
New- York with peace of mind, accompanied -with the good wishes 
of many of those we had visited. 

The day after our arrival in the city, Friends' monthly meeting 
was held, which we attended ; and the evening of the next day, 
we had a large satisfactory meeting in the suburbs of the town, 
in a large building called the Hospital. The next day. at the 
tenth hour, visited the poor in the poor house. The visit was 
comfortable and satisfactory. At the third hour we had a pretty 
full meeting, in a house belonging to the Methodists, which they 
offered us for that purpose ; and in the evening we had another 
large meeting in Friends' meeting house ; both satisfactorv sea- 
sons, and, I trust, comfortable and edifying to many who attended. 
The next day we visited a few families of Friends, as way open- 
ed, which closed our visit for this time to the city. The day after, 
being the first of the week ; and the 11th of 4th month, we had a 



80 JOURNAL OF 

satisfactory meeting at Brooklyn. The two following days we 
attended two meetings on our way home, the first at Samuel 
Doughty's, at Jamaica South, the latter in Jamaica town ; both 
favoured seasons, although many who attended were light and 
airy ; yet the power of truth rising into dominion, a comfortable 
solemnity w T as spread over the assemblies. I left them in the 
enjoyment of true peace of mind, and returned to my family the 
evening following, and found all well ; which, with other un- 
merited favours, witnessed in the course of this little engagement, 
filled my mind with thankful acknowledgments to the Shepherd 
of Israel, who is over all, worthy for ever. 

In the latter part of the summer of this year, I performed a 
visit, in company with James Parsons of New- York, to some 
people favourably disposed towards Friends, who resided in the 
towns of Strafford and Sharon, in the State of Vermont, about 
fifteen miles west of Connecticut river. I left home the 28th of 
7th month, and attended Purchase quarterly meeting, and a 
meeting on first day, at Cornwall in Connecticut, on our way, 
and then passed on to Northampton on Connecticut river ; from 
thence up the east side of the river, through Massachusetts and 
part of New Hampshire, as far as Hanover ; then crossing the 
river, we rode about fifteen miles westerly, to the town of Straf- 
ford, to the house of Timothy Blake, who was principally instru- 
mental in collecting those people. Their first meeting was at 
his house. He appeared convinced of the principle of the inward 
light, as held by us ; and had gathered a number into the same 
belief, in a good degree. They held two meetings when we 
came among them, one at his house, and the other at the adja- 
cent town of Sharon ; but, for want of keeping inward enough to 
the principle of divine light and grace, they became weak ; and 
those, who apprehended it their duty to teach, had got too much 
out into words and speculative* preaching and doctrine, which soon 
produced discord and a schism among them. They appeared to 
have been at times much favoured, and several of them had their 
understandings considerably illumined ; insomuch that they 
were joined, at their request, in membership with Friends, and 
Ikeir meetings came under Friends 1 notice; but being far dis- 



ELIAS HICKS. 



31 



tant from any other meeting of the society, and not keeping low 
and little enough, they mostly became bewildered and scattered, 
and their meetings dropped. Yet a few kept, or regained, their 
first love ; several of whom afterwards removed nearer to Friends. 
We passed several days among them ; and then, taking leave, 
returned homeward by Danby, Saratoga alias Easton, and Hud- 
son, to Nine Partners, attending meetings as they fell in our way, 
and reached Nine Partners in time for their quarterly meeting. 
After this we passed pretty directly home, attending a meeting at 
Shapaqua on first day. I was from home, on this journey, 
about three weeks and five days, attended two quarterly meet- 
ings, and seven particular meetings, and travelled about five 
hundred and ninety-one miles. 

In the latter part of the winter, and spring of the ensuing 
year, in the drawings of gospel love, and with the unity of my 
friends, I performed a visit to a number of the adjacent towns 
and villages on our island, among those not in profession with 
us. I was from home about two weeks, and attended fifteen 
meetings, and rode about one hundred and fifteen miles. 

A prospect having for some time impressed my mind to make a 
general visit to Friends of our yearly meeting, and to have some 
meetings among those not in profession with us, in parts adja- 
cent, with the concurrence of my brethren at home, I set out on 
this service, the 23d of 10th month, 1791, and had meetings at 
Flushing, Newtown and Brooklyn, on my way to New- York. 
Our quarterly meeting was held there at this time ; it ended on 
the sixth day of the week, and was a solemn season, and gra- 
ciously owned by the Master's presence ; many weighty subjects 
were opened through well qualified instruments, to the satisfac- 
tion and encouragement of the living. We were favoured with 
the company of our beloved friend Mary Ridgway, and her 
companion, from Ireland. The 29th, I proceeded on my journey, 
with Andrew Underhill, who had kindly given up to bear me 
company. We went by water to Staten Island, and the next 
day, being the first of the week, we attended two appointed 
meetings, the first at the house of a man inclined to Friends, 
whose wife was convinced of our principles ; the latter at the 






32 JOURNAL OF 

house of a professor among the Methodists. Both were favoured 
seasons, many hearts being tendered through gospel communica- 
tion, which flowed freely to the people. The 31st, we had 
another meeting on the island, at the house of the widow Ridg- 
way ; after this, in the evening, we had a favoured and in- 
structive season with the widow's family. The next day we 
passed over to Rahway, in East Jersey. And on fourth day, the 
2d of 11th month, we attended Friends' meeting at Plainfield, 
and an appointed meeting in the evening at Elijah Pound's, near 
Brunswick ; both, I trust, profitable seasons to some present.— 
We returned next morning to Railway, and attended Friends' 
meeting in that place ; and one in the evening at Woodbridge,' 
and returned to Rahway to lodge. The next day we passed over 
again to Staten Island, and had two meetings in the south-west- 
ern part, wherein help was afforded to discharge myself faithfully, 
in a plain way, suited, as I believe, to the states of those who 
attended ; they were of different professions, being Episcopalians, 
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists. We returned again on 
seventh day evening to our lodgings at Rahway, to the house of 
our kind friend Joseph Shotwell ; and the next day, being the first 
of the week, and 6th of the 11th month, we attended their fore- 
noon and afternoon meetings ; both, I trust, instructive edifying 
seasons, worthy of remembrance. To the Lord only wise, be the 
praise and glory of his own work, for to him it is due. 

The following day we attended an appointed meeting at the 
eleventh hour in Elizabethtown, at the house of our friend 
Joseph Stackhouse ; and, although small, yet it proved a satis- 
factory season ; and in the evening, one at Newark, held in 
their court-house, which was large and much crowded. 1 was 
drawn forth among them in a large doctrinal testimony, I believe 
to general satisfaction, and greatly to the peace and relief of my 
own mind. Our next appointment was on the evening following, 
at a place called the English Neighbourhood, on the east side of 
Hackensack river, at the house of Thomas Frost, a physician. 
Although it. was the fust meeting appointed by Friends, ever 
brld at that place, and the people mostly unacquainted with us 
and (nir principles, \ct they came freely together, and generally 



ELIAS HICKS. 33 

behaved in an orderly and commendable manner. The meeting 
was much favoured, being evidently owned by the Head of the 
Church ; and ability was received to communicate divers things, 
relative to the true ground of real religion and spiritual worship, 
which appeared to obtain the general assent of those present. 
The next day, in the evening, we had a meeting at the house of 
our friend Daniel Lawrence, at Tappan, which, although small, 
was in the main a satisfactory season. On the three following 
days, we had two meetings, by appointment, on our way to Corn- 
wall ; one at Kakiat, at the house of the widow Seaman, the 
other at William Thome's, at Smith's Clove. In going to the 
latter place, we rode over the western part of the mountains, called 
the Highlands. We got to the house of our friend William 
Titus, at Cornwall, on seventh day evening. The next day 
attended Friends' meeting there, and one, by appointment, in the 
evening at New Windsor ; and lodged with our friend James 
Thorne. The next day crossed the Hudson river, and had a 
meeting at Fishkill, in our way to Nine Partners ; where we 
arrived on 3d day, and attended the quarterly meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders, which opened at the eleventh hour. The two 
following days, the meeting for discipline and a parting meeting 
for public worship, were held. They were all favoured seasons, 
in which the faithful had cause to bless the name of the Lord, for 
his mercy in manifesting his gracious presence for the strength 
and help of his people and servants ; in a sense whereof, we 
parted from each other with mutual rejoicing. 

On sixth day, we rode to Sharon in Connecticut, and the 
day following held a meeting for the town's people in a large 
upper room in their school-house. A considerable number 
attended ; and, through heavenly goodness, it proved a memo- 
rable time ; the testimony of truth went freely forth among 
them, powerfully reaching and tendering many hearts. To the 
Lord alone, be the praise. 

After this meetmg, we rode to the house of Simeon Prague, 
about three miles north of the town, and attended a meeting 
there that evening. Next day, being the first of the week, we 
rode to Goshen, and attended the meeting held there, at the 

5 



32 JOURNAL OF 

house of a professor among the Methodists. Both were favoured 
seasons, many hearts being tendered through gospel communica- 
tion, which flowed freely to the people. The 31st, we had 
another meeting on the island, at the house of the widow Ridg- 
way ; after this, in the evening, we had a favoured and in- 
structive season with the widow's family. The next day we 
passed over to Rahway, in East Jersey. And on fourth day, the 
2d of 11th month, we attended Friends' meeting at Plainfield, 
and an appointed meeting in the evening at Elijah Pound's, near 
Brunswick ; both, I trust, profitable seasons to some present. — 
We returned next morning to Rahway, and attended Friends' 
meeting in that place ; and one in the evening at Woodbridge,' 
and returned to Rahway to lodge. The next day we passed over 
again to Staten Island, and had two meetings in the south-west- 
ern part, wherein help was afforded to discharge myself faithfully, 
in a plain way, suited, as I believe, to the states of those who 
attended ; they were of different professions, being Episcopalians, 
Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists. We returned again on 
seventh day evening to our lodgings at Rahway, to the house of 
our kind friend Joseph Shotwell ; and the next day, being the first 
of the week, and 6th of the 11th month, we attended their fore- 
noon and afternoon meetings ; both, I trust, instructive edifying 
seasons, worthy of remembrance. To the Lord only wise, be the 
praise and glory of his own work, for to him it is due. 

The following day we attended an appointed meeting at the 
eleventh hour in Elizabethtown, at the house of our friend 
Joseph Stackhouse ; and, although small, yet it proved a satis- 
factory season ; and in the evening, one at Newark, held in 
their court-house, which was large and much crowded. 1 w as 
drawn forth among them in a large doctrinal testimony, I believe 
to general satisfaction, and greatly to the peace and relief of my 
own mind. Our next appointment was on the evening following, 
at a place called I he English Neighbourhood, on the east side of 
Hackonsaek river, at the house of Thomas Frost, a physician. 
Although it was the first meeting appointed by Friends, ever 
held at that place, .iiicl the people mostly unacquainted with us 
and our principles, yet they came freely together, and generally 



ELIAS HICKS. 33 

behaved in an orderly and commendable manner. The meeting 
was much favoured, being evidently owned by the Head of the 
Church ; and ability was received to communicate divers things, 
relative to the true ground of real religion and spiritual worship, 
which appeared to obtain the general assent of those present. 
The next day, in the evening, we had a meeting at the house of 
our friend Daniel Lawrence, at Tappan, which, although small, 
was in the main a satisfactory season. On the three following 
days, we had two meetings, by appointment, on our way to Corn- 
wall ; one at Kakiat, at the house of the widow Seaman, the 
other at William Thome's, at Smith's ClOve. In going to the 
latter place, we rode over the western part of the mountains, called 
the Highlands. We got to the house of our friend Wilham 
Titus, at Cornwall, on seventh day evening. The next day 
attended Friends' meeting there, and one, by appointment, in the 
evening at New Windsor ; and lodged with our friend James 
Thome. The next day crossed the Hudson river, and had a 
meeting at Fishkill, in our way to Nine Partners ; where we 
arrived on 3d day, and attended the quarterly meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders, which opened at the eleventh hour. The two 
following days, the meeting for discipline and a parting meeting 
for public worship, were held. They were all favoured seasons, 
in which the faithful had cause to bless the name of the Lord, for 
his mercy in manifesting his gracious presence for the strength 
and help of his people and servants ; in a sense whereof, we 
parted from each other with mutual rejoicing. 

On sixth day, we rode to Sharon in Connecticut, and the 
day following held a meeting for the town's people in a large 
upper room in their school-house. A considerable number 
attended ; and, through heavenly goodness, it proved a memo- 
rable time ; the testimony of truth went freely forth among 
them, powerfully reaching and tendering many hearts. To the 
Lord alone, be the praise. 

After this meetmg, we rode to the house of Simeon Prague, 
about three miles north of the town, and attended a meeting 
there that evening. Next day, being the first of the week, we 
rode to Goshen, and attended the meeting held there, at the 

5 



34 JOURNAL OP 

house of Charles Richards ; notice having- gone before of our 
coming, it was a pretty full meeting, and ended to satisfaction. 
We passed from thence to Tyringham, in the state of Massa- 
chusetts ; and, on third day, attended a meeting in that neigh- 
bourhood. Then travelling on that afternoon and the next day, 
we got to Westfield, and lodged at an inn ; and the following 
day, held a meeting at our lodgings, for the neighbourhood. 
After this we rode to Norwich, and attended a meeting that 
evening at the house of Phineas Mixer, which proved, through 
heavenly help, a comfortable edifying season, although the gene- 
ral part of those who attended were strangers to us and our prin- 
ciples. The three following days, we passed on through the 
towns of Northampton, Hadley, Sunderland, Montague, North- 
field and Walpole, to John Cook's, in Claremont, where we 
appointed a meeting to be held the next day. Our landlord 
undertook to give the notice to his neighbours ; and having heard 
that Friends sometimes sit their meetings in silence, he was 
afraid, as he afterwards informed me, to notify any of the meet- 
ing, except two or three of his particular friends ; lest, if it should 
prove silent, they might laugh him to scorn. In consequence 
thereof, the meeting was very small. But such was the kind- 
ness of divine Providence, that he did not fail to manifest his 
presence powerfully among, as it were, the two or three, to the 
conviction and reproof of our unfaithful landlord ; insomuch that 
he informed me, when I came that way again, that his folly and 
blindness had given him much trouble and distress ; and he was 
now very pressing and desirous I would appoint another meet- 
ing, that he might give all the neighbourhood general notice. 
But we let him know, that we were not at our own disposal ; 
and, as no way appeared open in our minds for such an appoint- 
ment at present, we could not comply with his desire. 

After the last mentioned meeting, we passed the next day to 
Windsor, the most south-easterly town in the state of Vermont, 
on the west side of Connecticut river. Here we had a meeting 
in their court-house, which was very commodiously fitted up for 
the purpose, and proved a solid satisfactory opportunity. After 
this we rode to James Willard'B, in (he town of Hartland ; who, 



ELIAS HICKS. 35 

although brought up without any particular knowledge of Friends, 
was yet so far one in principle with us, that he had maintained, 
by himself alone, a testimony against a hireling ministry, against 
fighting, and oaths, and the superstitious observance of days ; 
and had, by sound reasoning, so far defeated all his opponents, 
that he was permitted to remain quiet ; although Ins residence 
had mostly been among those rigid in the Presbyterian profes- 
sion. We had a meeting in his house, which appeared always 
to be open to Friends, after his gaining an acquaintance with 
them ; but it being on the day set apart by those in authority as 
a day of thanksgiving, the meeting was small. 

We took leave of our kind landlord, and journeyed forward ; 
and got to the town of Sharon the next day, to the house of Jared 
Bassett, who, with some of his neighbours, who were likewise 
measurably convinced of our principles, held meetings together, 
after our manner. Here we continued some days, visiting those 
people, and attended their meeting on first day, the 4th of 12th 
month ; which, through favour, was, I trust, a profitable, edifying 
season. 

On third day we rode over to Hanover, a town on the east 
side of Connecticut river. And the day following had a meeting 
in the east part of said town, among a people mostly of the 
Baptist profession ; it was, I trust, an instructive season ; things, 
relating to true religion and spiritual worship, being largely open- 
ed. And after the meeting, we had some free conversation on 
several material points ; viz. election, falling from grace, water 
baptism and the right use of the scriptures, all of which were 
opened apparently to the satisfaction of most present. The 
evening of the next day, we had an appointed meeting near 
Dartmouth College, which proved a very disturbed opportunity, 
by reason of the attendance of the young students, whose be- 
haviour was very rude and unbecoming ; nevertheless, I hope 
the season was profitable to some present. 

We returned the next day to Jared Bassett's, at Sharon, and 
the following day attended two meetings, one at Strafford, and 
the other in the evening at a place called the Hollow. After this 
we returned again to Jared Bassett's, and the next day, being the 



36 JOURNAL OF 

first of the week, and the 11th of 12th month, we attended the 
meeting at his house; which, with the two last, were, to myself 
at least, satisfactory seasons ; feeling conscious of having dis- 
charged my duty faithfully among them, and having the answer 
of peace therein. The next day we set out for Danby, the near- 
est meeting of Friends to this place ; but by reason of a great fall 
of snow, and the way being mountainous, we did not arrive there 
until the third day after we set out. The next day after our 
arrival, their monthly meeting began, which continued two days. 
It was a low time, wherein 1 felt my mind much oppressed with 
the apparent careless indifferent way in which Friends there con- 
ducted the weighty affairs of the Church ; many of them appear- 
ing to act in their own will, in as light a manner, as they would 
in their own trivial outward business. Much labour was be- 
stowed in a plain way, in order to impress their minds with the 
necessity of being more weighty in their spirits, when they pre- 
sumed to be active in the affairs of truth ; and, I hope, to the 
encouragement of the honest hearted. We stayed their first day 
meeting, which was large, and proved a trying season ; but I was 
favoured to relieve my mind among them, although they appear- 
ed too generally insensible of the operation of truth. 

After meeting, we rode that afternoon, on our way towards 
Lake Champlain, about twelve miles, and attended a meeting at 
the house of our friend Joseph Button, that evening, among a 
people mostly of the Baptist profession. It was a favoured sea- 
son, and ability was received to open many things, in a plain 
way, relating to the Christian religion. The strange doctrine 
of absolute personal election and reprobation was exposed, also 
that of the impossibility of falling from grace ; and the true bap- 
tism explained, in opposition to that of water. The next day we 
pursued our journey towards Lake Champlain, where we arrived 
on second day, and were in the neighbourhood of the lake, in 
different towns, for about fifteen days, and attended eleven meet- 
ings among Friends and others, to general satisfaction, and the 
peace of my mind. 

After this we returned to Danby, and from thence we passed 
on, through Q,uecnsborougb, to Saratoga and Easton ; in which 



ELIAS HICKS. 37 

neighbourhood we had divers comfortable and edifying meetings, 
among Friends and others. Then we went on through Pitts- 
town. 'Williamstown. East Hoosack. New Britain. Kline-kiln. 
Coemans Patent, crossing the Hudson river on the ice to the last 
mentioned place, and from thence to Hudson ; most of the way 
upon the ice on the river. We had a meeting at each of those 
places to good satisfaction, also one at Hudson the next day after 
our arrival there. After this we passed on. attending meetings at 
Little Nine Partners, and one at the house of our friend Tideman 
Hull : thence to the Creek, where we had a precious opportunity 
on the first day of the week, in a large meeting of Friends and 
others. Then having meetings at Crum-elbow and Oswego, 
we got in time to Nine Partners, to attend then preparative meet- 
ing the fifth day following, winch proved a comfortable season ; 
and the next day attended a profitable meeting, appointed at a 
place called Chesnut Ridge. The two following days we attended 
two meetings, one at the Branch, and the other on the hill at 
Oblong ; and the day after, their monthly meeting 1 : and returned 
to Nine Partners to attend the quarterly meeting, which began 
the next day. 

The quiet and comfort of this meeting seemed much inter- 
rupted by the forwardness and inexperience of some in the minis- 
try, which was cause of much affliction to my mind. Oh what 
great need there is for those, who apprehend themselves called 
to that great and solemn office, to know self wholly reduced ; for. 
otherwise, there is danger of their endeavouring to clothe them- 
selves with the Lord's jewels, which, nevertheless, will turn to 
their own shame and confusion. I had some close exercise in 
the meeting of Ministers and Elders on that account. On sixth 
day we were at the monthly meeting at the Creek, which was 
attended with a degree of divine power, but not without snfTering 
some hurt, by the forward imskilful workmen before mentioned. 

From this meeting we crossed the Hudson again, and had 
meetings at Little Esopus. Marlborough, and Newburg Tallev : 
and then returned to Nine Partners, and attended their monthly 
meeting. After this, taking leave of Friends there, we turned 
our faces homewards, having meetings at Amawalk, Joseph 



38 JOURNAL OF 

Weeks' near Salem, Purchase, Apoquage, Mamaroneck, and 
Westchester ; all favoured seasons, especially the last, which was 
mostly composed of those not in membership with Friends. I 
was enabled, through divine aid, to open much doctrine to them, 
suitable to the occasion, and to the states of those present, to their 
general satisfaction ; and I felt great peace in my labour, not only 
for the service of this meeting, but for all my past labour in this 
journey ; wherein I had been graciously favoured, to my hum- 
bling admiration. To the Lord only wise, be all the glory. 

The next day we rode to New- York, where I lodged with my 
kind companion, and was cordially received by his beloved wife, 
and many other near and dear friends. We had been from the 
city four months and three days. The next day being the first 
of the week, I attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings, 
which were large ; and the day following rode to my own home, 
and, with a mind full of peace and solid satisfaction, the sure 
reward of obedience, found my dear wife and children all well : 
for which favour, also for the manifold unmerited mercies and 
preservations I have from time to time received, my spirit bows 
in humble adoration before thee, O Lord God of our health 
and salvation, and desires to ascribe unto thee greatness, with 
glory, thanksgiving, and high renown ; for thou art worthy to 
receive it, throughout all ages and generations, world without end. 
Amen. 

I was from home on this journey four months and eleven 
days ; rode about one thousand five hundred miles, and attended 
forty-nine particular meetings among Friends; three quarterly 
meetings, six monthly meetings, and forty meetings among other 
people. 

In the latter end of the 7th month, 1792, I left home, in com- 
pany with some other Friends, by appointment from the yearly 
meeting of Ministers and Elders, to visit the subordinate meetings 
throughout the yearly meeting. I was from home nearly a 
month, in which time we visited most of the meetings of Minis- 
ters and Elders, and attended many other meetings ; and, I 
believe, the visit was truly useful. We had many seasonable 
and comfortable opportunities among Friends, and, I trust, the 



ELIAS HICKS. 39 

labour was blessed to some, and I felt peace of mind for this 
little service. 

A concern having for some time rested on my mind, in the 
feelings of gospel love, to pay a religious visit to Friends in New 
England, in the spring of 1793, I opened it to my friends, and 
obtained then certificate for that purpose. But I did not proceed 
therein till after our yearly meeting. I left home the 2d of 6th 
month, being the first of the week, and after attending our own 
meeting, I crossed the Sound that afternoon, and got to the 
house of our friends Daniel and Samuel Titus at Horseneck, 
that evening. Here I met my companion James Mott from 
Mamaroneck, who had kindly given up to be my companion in 
this journey. We set forward next morning through the state 
of Connecticut, which took near three da} T s, and arrived on 
fourth day evening at the house of our friend Amos Collins in 
Stonington, and the next day attended Friends' meeting at 
Hopkinton, in the state of Rhode Island. From thence we 
proceeded on towards Newport, attending meetings in our way, 
at Westerly, Richmond, South Kingston, Upper and Lower 
House, and Canonnicut Island ; all satisfactory opportunities. 
After this we crossed the ferry to Newport, and lodged at the 
house of our kind and very hospitable friend, the widow Mary 
Rodman, who, with her two worthy daughters, Sarah and Han- 
nah, treated us with great kindness and affection ; and where 
Ave continued to lodge, dming our stay in that town. The 
meeting of Ministers and Elders opened the next day at Ports- 
mouth. After tj^is we lodged that night at our friend Jacob 
Motts, and the next da} T attended a meeting for worship at that 
place, which was very large ; although things appeared very 
low, as to the life and virtue of truth, both among Friends and 
others, and lukewarniness and ^difference seemed to prevail, 
which made it a laborious time for the honest travellers, yet 
ability was afforded to discharge myself among them to a good 
degree of satisfaction, and peace to my own mind; and we 
returned that evening to Newport. 

The yearly meeting closed on the third day following ; and 
although strength was afforded me to discharge myself in the 



40 JOURNAL OF 

several sittings thereof, both for worship and discipline, in a 
manner productive of that true peace, which is the sure reward 
of a faithful discharge of duty, yet it was, for the most part, a 
dull time, and the spring of life seemed very low ; occasioned, in 
part, as I apprehended, by a very small number taking upon 
them the whole management of the business, and thereby shut- 
ting up the way to others, and preventing the free circulation 
and spreading of the concern, in a proper manner, on the minds 
of Friends ; which I have often found to be of very hurtful 
tendency. 

On fourth day morning we left Newport, and rode to Ports- 
mouth, and attended their preparative meeting. The forepart 
of the meeting for worship was a heavy season, in which it was 
my lot to be baptized for the dead; but, as I patiently abode 
under suffering with the pure seed, the Lord was pleased to 
arise, and give ability to come forth, and sound an alarm to the 
lifeless; whereby his power and presence were experienced, in 
good measure, to cover the meeting, to the comfort and encour- 
agement of the living travellers ; to the Lord alone be the praise, 
who is worthy for ever. 

The next day we passed the ferry, and rode to Tiverton, on 
the Main, and attended a meeting, by appointment, which was 
chiefly made up of people not of our society. Through the 
prevalence of divine love, after a season of close labour, strength 
was afforded me, largely to open the truths of the gospel, in a 
clear manner, greatly to my own satisfaction, and apparently so 
to most or all present ; for which my spirit was truly thankful. 
The next day we attended a meeting at Little Compton, which 
was large, and mostly composed of people of other persuasions. 
It was a comfortable edifying season ; the Lord was graciously 
pleased to be near, and to afford wisdom and utterance ; many 
things were opened in a doctrinal way, suitable to the states of 
those present, in the clear demonstration of the spirit, and with 
power; in a sense whereof, (he living were made to rejoice, and 
return thankful acknowledgments for such unmerited mercy. 

The day after, we attended the monthly meeting of Friends 
of AeoaksH, held at Westpoit ; the meeting for worship was 



ELIAS HICKS. 41 

very large, and like the former, mostly composed of people of other 
persuasions. Ability was afforded me largely to open the nature 
of true worship, and to show the fruitlessness of mere outward 
performances in religion, without the animating, quickening 
virtue of the word of eternal life, influencing and assisting the 
soul in that solemn act. The meeting for discipline was small, 
and very few of those present appeared to be under right qualifi- 
cations to be active in the affairs of the Church ; consequently 
their business was conducted in great weakness, and in a way 
far short of maintaining the proper dignity of a monthly meet- 
ing. No way seemed to open to afford relief ; as the disorder 
and weakness appeared to be much in those, who assumed the 
place of leaders and heads in the meeting, and great and uncom- 
mon rawness in most of the youth. Under the consideration 
thereof, my mind was deeply affected with concern for their own, 
and the testimony's, sake. 

Our next appointment was at Centre, on first day ; and pre- 
vious notice having been given of our coming, the meeting was 
very large ; there were many more than the house could hold, 
and it was a precious edifying season. We then rode to New- 
town, taking some refreshment on our way; and attended a 
meeting at the fourth hour in the afternoon, which was large^ 
and proved a satisfactory opportunity, - and I felt sweet peace in 
this day's labour. 

The next day we attended the monthly meeting of Apone- 
gansett, alias Dartmouth, which proved a hard, painful season, 
things being much out of order with Friends there. Most of the 
young people, and some of those that were older, were very raw 
and ungoverned ; insomuch that the meeting was much inter- 
rupted by an almost continual going in and out, although fre- 
quently reproved for it. It rendered the prospect very afflicting, 
to see the professors of truth so regardless of their own reputation 
and real good, as well as of the good and reputation of society. 
I left this place with a degree of sadness, on account of the pre- 
vailing darkness and ignorance ; yet I felt peace to attend my 
mind, having faithfully discharged myself among them. 

We rode after meeting to New Bedford, in company with our 



42 J6UE.NAL OF 

beloved friend Thomas Rotch, who met us at this place; and 
we lodged at his house, where we found a cordial reception, and 
kind entertainment from him and his beloved wife, who appeared 
to be hopeful young Friends. The next day we attended their 
monthly meeting, which proved a very comfortable, edifying sea- 
son. This monthly meeting was but newly settled, and Friends 
appeared desirous of improvement. There were a number of 
promising young Friends in this place, to whom my spirit was 
nearly united, and a sympathetic travail experienced for their 
growth and preservation. My mind was covered with much 
sweetness in the course of this meeting, and it proved a time of 
revival to my spirit ; having experienced much depression and 
discouragement in the two foregoing monthly meetings. 

The next day we rode to Long Plain, and attended a meeting 
at the eleventh hour, which proved, through heavenly help, a 
comfortable, edifying season. After this we rode back to Accush- 
net, and attended a meeting at the fourth hour that afternoon, in 
which I found it my business to set the people an example of 
silence ; and returned that evening to our lodgings at New Bed- 
ford. The next day we embarked for Nantucket, and arrived 
there before .night, having sailed about sixty miles in our way 
thither. We took our lodgings at the house of our kind friend 
Samuel Rodman, and stayed on the island several days, in which 
time we attended their monthly meeting, and a meeting of 
Ministers and Elders belonging thereto ; and two meetings on 
the first day of the week. After this, on second and third day, 
their quarterly meeting was held, and on fourth day I was at 
their meeting held in the middle of the week, in the north meet- 
ing-house. Although things in general were much out of order 
with many of the professors of truth in this island, and the pure 
seed of the kingdom much oppressed, and gloominess seemed to 
spread over the camp, yet the Lord Almighty, in the riches of his 
love, was pleased to furnish ability to sound an alarm to the 
dead, and to press upon the lukewarm and careless professors, 
the necessity of using all diligence to make their calling and 
election sure, while time and opportunity were yet graciously 
afforded : and also to administer Gilead's balm, to bind up the 



ELI AS HICKS. 43 

broken-hearted, and to encourage the faithful labourers in the 
family, to a perseverance in faith and patience. To a remnant 
of these, my spirit was nearly united in the real bond of Christian 
fellowship, and our hearts were filled with gratitude to the God 
and Father of all our sure mercies, that he was graciously pleased 
to distil the heavenly dew for refreshing the weary travellers, and 
crowning the several meetings with the glorious diadem of his 
holy presence ; to him alone be the praise, for he is worthy for 
ever. 

On fifth day, the 4th of 7th month, we left the island, and 
crossed over to Falmouth, about forty miles, by water; after 
landing, we travelled about four miles to the house of our friend 
Richard Lake, and lodged. The next day we attended their 
monthly meeting, which proved a time of deep exercise to my 
spirit; occasioned, as I believed, by the dead and lifeless state of 
the professors of truth in that meeting. I sat through the meet- 
ing for worship in silence, under a great weight of death and 
suffering, and saw no way of relief until near the close of the 
meeting for discipline, when a prospect opened in my mind, with 
a degree of light, to propose to Friends, that the men and women 
should sit together again at the close of their business. This 
proposition was agreed to by Friends, and way was made to clear 
my mind, in a good degree, amongst them, of the burden I had 
sat under, in a close searching communication of my prospect 
respecting then state, as it opened in the view of my mind. This 
appeared to have considerable effect on the minds of some, yet 
some others appeared too much in that state, of all others the 
most to be dreaded, of self-justification, and of being righteous in 
their own eyes, which rendered them indisposed to improvement. 

I left that place the day following, with some weight on my 
spirit, under a sense of the low state of things among them, and 
rode to Yarmouth, and attended a meeting there the next day, 
which proved a satisfactory season. The three following days 
we passed on through Sandwich, Pembroke, and Boston, to Sa- 
lem ; having meetings at Sandwich and Pembroke, both, I trust, 
profitable edifying seasons to some present. We reached Salem 
on fifth day, the 11th of 7th month, just in time to attend their 



44 JOURNAL OF 

monthly meeting, having rode diligently the morning and after- 
noon before to accomplish it ; and had a pretty satisfactory time 
with Friends at this meeting. After this we rode back to Lynn, 
and the next day attended an appointed meeting there, which 
proved a large, favoured, and I trust, profitable meeting to many, 
not soon to be forgotten ; there were a considerable number of 
hopeful young people in this place. In the afternoon, we had a 
precious opportunity at a Friend's house, where there were a 
number of young people and others collected ; it was a heart- 
tendering season. For this, with other favours conferred from 
time to time, my heart was made truly thankful to the Father of 
mercies, and God of all comfort, who is over all, blessed for ever. 

We proceeded the next day to Almsbury, and lodged with our 
friend Ezekiel Jones, and the next morning rode back to New- 
bury, and attended Friends' meeting at the eleventh hour. Al- 
though the meeting was small, Friends being much reduced 
there, yet some of the neighbouring people coming' in we had a 
precious opportunity together, to our mutual comfort ; the way 
of life and salvation being clearly opened to them, in the demon- 
stration of the spirit, and with power ; for which my spirit was 
reverently thankful. We rode back and attended a meeting at 
Almsbury that afternoon, at the fourth hour ; a large number of 
those, who were not members of our society, assembled with the 
few Friends of that place, insomuch that the house could not con- 
tain them. It proved a painful season, by reason of the prevailing 
death and darkness that seemed to spread, not only over Friends, 
but the assembly in general. My spirit was brought into a state 
of deep suffering and baptism, but as I patiently endured the 
conflict, way was made, and ability afforded, to open to them 
their states and conditions, with the necessity of being redeemed 
therefrom, and the way whereby it must be effected. The peo- 
ple were generally solid, and I trust it was a profitable season to 
many minds present. 

We returned that evening to the house of our friend Ezekiel 
Jones, and the next day proceeded to Newtown, where we had a 
meeting, which proved, I trust, an instructive edifying season to 
some present ; although the life of religion appeared very low in 



ELIAS HICKS. 45 

that place. We lodged here, and the day following we went to 
Halestown alias Wear, and took our lodgings at the house of oar 
friend Ebenezer Breed. We attended their monthly meeting 
next day : things in general appeared in a low state with Friends 
here, much of which weakness I apprehended arose from these 
two causes. First, from a forward spirit, which appeared very 
predominant in some members, who were not under a right 
qualification to be active in meetings for discipline, not having 
their spirits sanctified : and their unseasoned offerings and for- 
ward activity were a great burden to the living concerned mem- 
bers, being often opposed to the right exercise of discipline, which 
caused divisions and parties in the meeting : Secondly; those 
Friends who seemed to have the cause of truth at heart, for 
want of dwelling enough in the root, and in that perfect love 
that casts out all fear, were led from an apprehension of necessity, 
in order to keep down those forward spirits, to make use of some 
undue methods in the exercise of discipline. This, originating 
in fear, and being the result of human contrivance, instead of 
subjecting, had a tendency to strengthen them, in their opposition : 
for nothing can promote the Lord's work but his own peaceable 
spirit and wisdom, and this stands out of all human consultation 
and contrivance, which, when given way to. although ever so 
well intended, always mar his work. I was much exercised, 
both in the meeting for worship, and that for discipline ; and I 
was helped to administer much counsel and advice for Friends' 
improvement in general, and particularly that those before men- 
tioned difficulties might be removed : and felt much peace in my 
labour. 

The next day, being the 5th of the week, and 19th of 7th 
month, we rode to Epping, about forty-two miles, and lodged with 
our friend Joshua Fulsome, an approved minister, and attended 
Friends' meeting there the following day. In the forepart of this 
meeting, my mind was reduced into such a state of great weak- 
ness and depression, that my faith was almost ready to fail, which 
produced great searchings of heart, so that I was led to call in 
question all that I had ever before experienced. In this state of 
doubting, I was ready to wish myself at home, from an appre- 



46 JOURNAL OF 

hension that I should only expose myself to reproach, and wound 
the cause I was embarked in ; for the heavens seemed like brass, 
and the earth as iron ; such coldness and hardness, I thought 
could scarcely have ever been experienced before by any creature, 
so great was the depth of my baptism at this time ; nevertheless, 
as I endeavoured to quiet my mind, in this conflicting dispen- 
sation, and be resigned to my allotment, however distressing, 
towards the latter part of the meeting a ray of light broke through 
the surrounding darkness, in which the Shepherd of Israel was 
pleased to arise, and by the light of his glorious countenance, to 
scatter those clouds of opposition. Then ability was received, 
and utterance given, to speak of his marvellous works in the 
redemption of souls, and to open the way of life and salvation, 
and the mysteries of his glorious kingdom, which are hid from 
the wise and prudent of this world, and revealed only unto those, 
who are reduced into the state of little children and babes in 
Christ. It proved a time of renewed strength and consolation to 
myself, and I trust it was so to many present. Renowned for 
ever be the name of the Lord, who hath his way in the cloud, 
and in the thick darkness, and who can cause the light to shine 
out of obscurity, when he pleaseth, for the comfort and help of 
his devoted children, and cause their darkness to become as the 
noonday. 

We passed on from thence through Dover to Berwick, where 
the monthly meeting for Dover was held the next day. It 
proved a veiy exercising season, great weakness attending the 
meeting, on account of the same rending, dividing spirit getting 
in among Friends there, mentioned at the foregoing monthly 
meeting at Wear. It had made great havoc among them ; a 
great number of members had been separated, and others were 
about to be separated, by minutes of denial from the monthly 
meeting. I had some close labour with them, not only by en- 
deavouring to stir up and warn the careless and refractory mem- 
bers ; but I also found it necessary to caution and warn those, 
who had the chief management of discipline. I believed they 
had too much departed from the meek spirit, of Jesus, in ordering 
the affairs of truth ; and instead of giving the right portion of 



ELIAS HICKS. 47 

meat in due season to their fellow members, had given way to a 
spirit of impatience, and therefore did not stand wholly clear of 
beating and abusing their fellow servants. O how necessary it 
is for all those, who think themselves called to be active in the 
discipline of the Church, to know their own spirits fully subjected, 
that nothing of the unmortifled will of the creature may be found 
acting in the work of the Lord ; or mixing its own forward 
unsanctified zeal, with that true and holy fervour of soul, which 
animates, quickens, and constrains, by the mere force and influ- 
ence of the pure love of Christ, our holy head, and heavenly 
high priest, from whence it derives all its power and authority, 
in putting right discipline in practice, and laying true judgment 
on the head of transgressors, and refractory members. We tar- 
ried here the next day, it being the first of the week. The meet- 
ing was pretty large, and was composed of Friends and others, 
and favoured with the Teachings forth of heavenly regard, con- 
soling many hearts, and refreshing the weaiy travellers ; of 
these, there appeared to be a small remnant preserved in almost 
every place. The meeting ended with humble supplication, and 
praise to the great Author of every blessing, who is over all, 
worthy for ever. 

The next day, the 22d of 7th month, we proceeded on towards 
Falmouth, at Casco Bay, attending a meeting at Portland, in 
our way thither. On fourth day we attended the monthly meet- 
ing of Falmouth, and, on sixth day, the monthly meeting of 
Durham ; they were in general satisfactory seasons. The next 
day we rode to Georgetown, and attended a meeting appointed 
there at the eleventh hour. After this we proceeded on to the 
widow Gardner's, in a town called Bordingham ; in getting to 
this place, we had to cross the great river Kennebeck twice. The 
next day, being the first of the week, and the 28th of 7th month, 
a large meeting was held there by our appointment, there being 
no meeting in that place. It was a time of hard labour for a 
season, by reason of the indifference and ignorance of many 
present; nevertheless, ability was afforded to discharge myself 
among them, to pretty good satisfaction, and, I believe, generally 



48 JOURNAL OP 

so to those present ; and, I trust, by some, the season will not 
soon be forgotten. 

We went by water that afternoon up the aforesaid river, about 
seven miles, to the house of our friend George Ramsdale, having 
sent oiir horses there the night before. The next day we passed 
on to Vassalborough, and the day following rode up the river to 
Fairfield, and attended a meeting, and returned to Vassalborough 
that afternoon. The next day we attended Friends' meeting 
there, which proved a heavy dull season, till near the close, when 
ability was afforded me to clear myself among them, in a close 
searching communication, which appeared to have a good effect, 
and the meeting ended well. 

We passed on that afternoon twenty miles to Winthrop, and 
the next day had a meeting there. After this we rode to Greene, 
and from thence to Lewistown, having a meeting at each place ; 
both precious heart-tendering seasons, especially the latter, which 
was attended by a large number of young people, many of whom 
were greatly affected by the power of truth. We left them in 
a tender loving frame of mind, and rode that afternoon to Dur- 
ham. The next day, being the first of the week, and 4th of 
8th month, we attended Friends' meeting there, in which I was 
favoured to open many things in a doctrinal way, there being 
many present, who were not in membership with Friends. I was 
likewise led to speak largely of the good effects of pure love. 

We passed on from thence through Falmouth to Portland, 
where we had a meeting appointed for the town's people ; it was 
held in their court-house, and was, through heavenly help, an 
instructive season. Many doctrines of the gospel were clearly 
opened ; and the unsound doctrines of original sin and predesti- 
nation, also the schemes of the Universalists, Atheists, and 
Deists, were confuted from scripture and reason. And a pressing 
exhortation was extended to all present, to attend to the leadings 
of the spirit of Christ in their own hearts, so as to be sensible of 
their fallen condition, and to become acquainted with the neces- 
sity, means, and manner of their salvation. Truth was over all, 
Mtf I had great peace in my labour. 



ELIAS HICKS. 49 

We returned that evening to Falmouth, and the next day 
went to Windham, and attended a meeting, wherein I was led 
to be an example of silence. After this we rode to the house of 
our friend John Robinson, and lodged ; and a prospect opening 
for paying another visit to Friends at Wear, we accordingly pro- 
ceeded, attending meetings in our way, at Gorham, Lymington, 
New Sandwich, and Gilmantown, all satisfactory seasons ; and 
reached Wear in time to attend their monthly meeting. Although 
the same dividing spirit was still discernible among them, which 
produced much weakness, yet we had pretty good satisfaction in 
our visit. We proceeded from thence through Pittsfleld, and 
Lee, in our way to Dover, having a meeting at each place, and 
reached Dover in time to attend their monthly meeting, held on 
seventh day, the 17th of 8th month. Although discipline is at 
a low ebb with Friends here, yet, through divine condescension, 
I hope the season was profitable and instructive to many present. 
We were at their first day meeting in the forenoon ; and, in the 
afternoon, had a satisfactory meeting at Kittery ; and, on second 
day, we attended meetings at Madersborough, and Rochester, 
both, I trust, profitable seasons. On third day we rode to Hamp- 
ton, and the next day had a comfortable meeting with Friends of 
that place ; and from thence we returned to Salem, and attended 
a meeting. Then we proceeded to Lynn, and attended their 
forenoon and afternoon meetings on first day. On second day 
we rode to Boston, and attended a meeting at the eleventh hour ; 
although the meeting was but small, there being but very few 
Friends in that place, and only a small number of the town's 
people came in, yet we had pretty good satisfaction in giving 
them this opportunity, and way opened to clear ourselves among 
them. After this we passed on, having a meeting at Taunton, 
and then attended Providence monthly meeting, held at Smith- 
field ; things appeared but low with Friends of this monthly 
meeting, their attention being too much turned to worldly con- 
cerns. We next attended the monthly meeting held in the upper 
part of Smithfield, being about nine miles from the latter ; this 
was in general a satisfactory season ; and the following day we 
attended Uxbridge monthly meeting, to good satisfaction, 

7 



50 JOURNAL OF 

Our next appointment was at Freetown, the first of the week, 
and the 1st of 9th month, and was a satisfactory opportunity ; 
and, on second day, we attended the monthly meeting at Swan- 
sey ; here things appeared much out of order, and in a low state ; 
but, through divine favour, ability was given me, to clear my mind 
among them, in a way, that I hope, will tend to their profit. 
From thence we passed on to Providence, where we had a satis- 
factory meeting. The four following days we had meetings at 
Cranston, Greenwich, Foster and Scituate ; all satisfactory meet- 
ings, particularly the last ; it was an open edifying season, many 
hearts being comforted by the power of truth, which prevailed 
over all, and was cause of deep thankfulness to my mind. Our 
next meeting was at Wankeg, on first day, the 8th of 9th 
month ; it was a profitable edifying season. Then passing on, we 
had meetings as they were laid out for us, on second day at Glou- 
cester, on third day at Douglass, and on fourth day at Smithfield. 
The last was a large meeting, and many things were opened in 
a clear manner ; confuting that dark belief in election and 
reprobation, and the impossibility of falling from grace. Also 
showing the necessity of regeneration, through the operation of 
the one essential baptism of the Holy Ghost ; and that all were 
the objects of universal, and saving grace, and how all might be 
saved by it, if they did not reject it to their own destruction. 

The next day we attended a meeting at Mendham ; it was a 
comfortable season to myself, and I believe, to most or all present, 
and was cause of thankful remembrance. From thence we pass- 
ed on, having meetings at Northbridge, Bolton and Leicester ; at 
this place we also attended a burial, and had a favoured opportu- 
nity with the people. Then we went to Richmond, and attended 
their monthly meeting, where things were much out of order, 
and the meeting was small, and in a weak situation. I cleared 
my mind in a plain way among them, and found peace therein. 

This was the last meeting we attended in the compass of 
Rhode Island yearly meeting. Then we passed on into tlie 
state of Vermont, in order to visit Friends of our own yearly 
meeting, who resided in that state. We reached Sharon, in time 
to attend their meeting on first day, the 22d of 9th month ; and 



ELIAS HICKS. 51 

the next day attended a meeting at Strafford, which was a dull 
heavy time, in which I found it my place to be silent. The next 
day we crossed Connecticut river to the town of Hanover, and 
attended a meeting in a school-house, no Friends living in those 
parts. It was a satisfactory season. We lodged with a man 
attached to Friends, of the name of John Williams, who, with his 
wife, were convinced of the principles of truth ; yet found it a 
great trial, faithfully to take up the cross, as they lived among a 
people much opposed to them in that respect. We left them the 
next day in a tender frame of mind, and I have .a hope they will 
improve. We returned over the river and attended a meeting in 
the town of Norwich, at the fourth hour of the afternoon, which 
was a small, but favoured meeting. We lodged that night with 
a person who had requested to be joined to Friends, of the name 
of Zebulon Huntington. The next morning we returned to 
Sharon, and attended a meeting at the eleventh hour, it being 
their usual meeting day, which was a favoured season. The next 
day we attended a meeting in the northeast part of the town of 
Strafford, among those not of our society. After this we set forward 
for Lake- Champlain, and got to Ferrisburg just in time to attend 
their meeting on first day, the 29th of 9th month, which I sat in 
silence ; and returned after meeting to the house of our friend 
Nicholas Holmes and lodged. The next day we rode to our friend 
Cornelius Halbert's, and attended a meeting at the fourth hour, 
which proved a comfortable season ; it was mostly composed of 
those not in membership with us. 

From thence we proceeded to Grand Isle, which is situated 
nearly in the middle of Lake Champlain, having a meeting at 
Wiltston, in our way thither. We had a comfortable meeting at 
our lodgings at this place, and then crossed over by water to the 
west side of the lake, to the river Sable. We walked on foot 
about six miles near this river, to the house of our Mend Richard 
Keese, where we had a satisfactory opportunity, in a meeting 
appointed in his house. It was a newly settled place, and no 
meeting of Friends within forty miles. We returned then to 
Grand Isle, and the next day, the first of the week, and the 6th 
of 10th month, we attended another meeting there, and then 



52 JOURNAL OF 

returned to Monkton, to the house of our kind friend Nicholas 
Holmes, who had accompanied us in this little tour to the north- 
ward. We rested the next day, and the day following had an 
appointed meeting at the house of my kinsman Stephen Haight. 
On fifth day we had a comfortable opportunity with Friends 
here, at their preparative meeting. After this we took leave of 
our friends of this place, and rode to Vergennes, and lodged at our 
friend Thomas Robinson's ; and the next day proceeded on our 
way to Queensbury, where we arrived on seventh day evening. 
The day after, the first of the week, and the 13th of 10th month, 
we attended two meetings ; the first, at Friends' meeting-house, 
at the usual time ; and the latter, at a Friend's house, where a 
considerable number of people, who were not in profession with 
us, assembled. 

On second day we rode to Easton, and lodged at our friend 
William Coffin's ; on third day, it being rainy weather, we rest- 
ed ; and on fourth day, we attended the preparative meeting of 
Ministers and Elders for Easton monthly meeting. On fifth 
day their monthly meeting began, which held three days, and, in 
general, was conducted to good satisfaction. I felt near sympa- 
thy with Friends of this place, as their monthly meeting was 
bordering on an extensive newly settled country, to which Friends 
were moving from various parts. It made the bounds of their 
meeting very wide, and the members much scattered from one 
another ; and caused much labour and exercise to the concerned 
part of the meeting, in attending to, and conducting the affairs 
of truth. It likewise occasioned them to have, almost continually, 
a great load of business before the monthly meeting. The day 
after, being the first of the week, we attended a meeting at Sara- 
toga. It was a large comfortable edifying meeting, and very 
refreshing to my spirit, which had been much exhausted by the 
exercise and labour of the three foregoing days. 

In the course of this week we attended meetings at Greenfield, 
Ballstown, Troy, Albany, and Coeman's Patent ; and reached 
Hudson on seventh day evening. The next day, the first of the 
week, and 27th of 10th month, we attended their morning m<vt 
ing, and then proceeded on, being desirous of reaching the quar- 



ELIAS HICKS. 53 

terly meeting at Oblong, which began on third day. We arrived 
there on second day evening, where we met with several beloved 
friends from near our own homes, to our mutual comfort. After 
the close of this meeting, we proceeded directly home; where I 
arrived the 2d of 11th month, and found my dear wife and 
family in a pretty good state of health, to our mutual rejoicing. 
I had renewed cause to bless the name of the Lord for his pre- 
serving providence and mercy, who is over all, worthy for ever. 

I was from home in this journey about five months, and tra- 
velled by land and water about two thousand two hundred and 
eighty-three miles ; having visited all the meetings of Friends in 
the New England states, and many meetings amongst those of 
other professions ; and also visited many meetings, among 
Friends and others, in the upper part of our own yearly meeting; 
and found real peace in my labours. 



54 JOURNAL OP 



CHAPTER III. 

Visit to the Meetings of Ministers and Elders, 1795. — Visit to Friends in Penn- 
sylvania, New- Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, 1798. 

On the 26th of 7th month, 1795, I left home in order to 
join a committee of Friends, appointed by the yearly meeting 
of Ministers and Elders this year, to visit the quarterly and pre- 
parative meetings, and Friends individually, in those stations, 
throughout the yearly meeting. A concern having arisen in 
that meeting, occasioned by the many obvious deficiences and 
departures amongst us as a people, from the purity and simplicity 
of our holy profession, a minute was issued and recommended 
to the inferior meetings, setting forth the ground of this concern, 
and for the purpose of stirring up and encouraging Friends to 
a diligent search and labour, that the many hurtful disorders 
might be removed, and a right reformation, from those prevailing 
weaknesses, effectually take place. 

This being the first day of the week, I sat with Friends in 
their meeting at Westbury ; and although it was a dull time in 
the forepart, yet, through the comforting assistance of heavenly 
help, it was made, I believe, an edifying season to many minds. 
I crossed the Sound that afternoon to New Rochelle, and the next 
morning met some of the committee at the house of our friend 
Hugh Judge. We had an opportunity with his family,- which 
proved a refreshing season, it being evident that he, and his wife, 
joined heartily with the concern. We visited several other fami- 
lies that day, and had the satisfaction to believe, that the concern 
and labour were owned by the Head of the Church, and, we 
believe, will be blessed to many. \ 



ELIAS HICKS. 55 

The next day the quarterly meeting at Purchase began, and 
through the several sittings was made, I trust, a profitable season ; 
it ended on fifth day. The next day we had opportunities with 
two families, which, through the fresh extendings of holy help, 
proved very instinctive and encouraging. After this we set out 
for Nine Partners, their quarterly meeting coming in the ensuing 
week. I reached there on first day morning, the 2d of 8th 
month, and attended their meeting, which proved a heart search- 
ing season, it being too manifest that many professors had suf- 
fered their minds to be captivated by a worldly spirit, which had 
introduced great death and darkness into our meetings, to the 
grief and trouble of the honest-hearted. But help was graciously 
afforded me to set forth, in a plain manner, the danger attending 
such a departure from the life and power of religion ; and to 
stir up also the lukewarm from their supineness and ease, and 
enforce the necessity of a more full dedication of their hearts, and 
their all, to the Lord's service. 

The next day we attended the preparative meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders at the Creek, in which much weakness was 
apparent. The three following days we attended the quarterly 
meeting at Nine Partners ; on the last of which, I was fa- 
voured to relieve my mind among them, in a season of close 
searching labour, by way of communication. After this we pro- 
ceeded towards Easton, to attend the quarterly meeting there, 
and to visit the families of Ministers and Elders within the com- 
pass of that meeting, which we performed in about a week. 
Although weakness seemed to abound with Friends there, 
yet we were comforted in believing, that the visit had a profita- 
ble effect, and afforded encouragement, and a renewal of strength, 
to the sincere-hearted. 

On seventh day, the 15th of 8th month, we rode to East 
Hoosac, and the next day attended Friends' meeting there, which 
was large, many people of other societies attending. It proved 
an open satisfactory time, and ended under a renewed sense of 
the merciful extendings of holy condescending love ; for which, 
I trust, many minds were made humbly thankful. The after- 
noon and next morning were passed in visiting the families of 



56 JOURNAL OP 

Ministers and Elders ; and although things were not all well 
among them,- yet we had satisfaction and peace in our own 
minds, by a faithful discharge of the trust committed to us. 
The next day we rode to New Britain, and visited a Friend in 
the ministry there, he being the only select member in that meet- 
ing. From thence we passed on to Kline-Kiln, where there was 
likewise but one member of the select meeting, an Elder, whom 
we visited. We then went to Coeman's Patent, where there were 
three select members, to whom we paid a satisfactory visit, and 
then proceeded to the city of Hudson. The evening after our 
arrival, and the next day, we had opportunities with the Ministers 
and Elders of that place. They proved seasons of heart-searching 
labour, things appearing much out of order with some of them ; 
and, among these, there was a disposition apparent, to lay waste 
good order in the Church. O the great want of honest, faithful 
labourers in the vineyard. 

After our services were finished here, we left them with the 
answer of peace, and rode that afternoon to Nine Partners. The 
next day we attended Friends' meeting at Stanford, which proved 
a season of hard labour. There was a great want of solid weight, 
and a living travail, in order to experience the renewals of 
strength ; the power of truth went forth freely, for the stirring up, 
and arousing the careless and supine from their beds of ease. 
After this we visited two families of Friends, and, the two follow- 
ing days, finished our visit to the rest of the families of Ministers 
and Elders in Creek monthly meeting. The rest of the week 
was taken up in visiting those under the notice of our appoint- 
ment, in the monthly meeting of Nine Partners ; and I may 
truly say, it was, in general, a sorrowful affecting time, in behold- 
ing the great departure of many of the Ministers and Elders, in 
their families, from that faithful discharge of duty, which their 
stations require ; for want of this, their children had almost all 
gone out from plainness. We endeavoured to lay before them, 
in sincerity and simplicity of heart, the great danger attending 
such a conduct, and the necessity of a reform in those things ; and 
felt peace of mind in our labour. 

On seventh day afternoon we rode to Marlborough, and 



KLIAS HICKS. 57 

attended Friends' meeting there the next day ; it was an exer- 
cising season, on account of the great rawness and inexperience 
of the members of the meeting too generally, and the great 
lightness manifest, in most of those of other societies, a num- 
ber of whom were present. My mind, after a time of hard 
labour, and suffering with the seed, was engaged in some 
service addressed to the latter class. Afterwards way opened to 
have Friends select, to whom my mind was led to communicate 
some things in a plain way, with the view of stirring them up to 
more diligence and circumspection in their families, the better 
ordering and disciplining of their children and household, and 
keeping things sweet and clean, agreeably to the simplicity of 
our holy profession ; and I had peace in my labour. That after- 
noon, and the two following days, we visited all the families of 
Ministers and Elders in that monthly meeting, except one. After 
this I returned home, and found my family as well as usual ; 
which I esteemed as a favour from my great and good Master. 
For this, with all his other mercies and preservations dispensed 
from time to time, I felt a return of thankfulness and grateful 
acknowledgment to Him, who is the author and giver of every 
good and perfect gift, and " who is over all, God blessed for ever." 
Having for several years felt my mind drawn, at times, in gos- 
pel love, to visit Friends of the yearly meetings of Pennsylvania, 
New- Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and some parts of Virginia, 
in the fall of the year 1797, apprehending the time to be nigh for 
the performance of the visit, I laid my concern before Friends 
of the monthly and quarterly meetings of which I was a mem- 
ber ; and received certificates of their unity and concurrence. I 
left home the 12th of 12th month, accompanied by Joseph 
Cooper, a member of our meeting, in the station of an Elder ; 
taking leave of my family and friends, we rode to New- York, 
and the meeting for sufferings sitting there the next day, I 
attended it ; and the day following being the meeting day for 
Friends of that city, I felt most easy to stay and attend it, which 
proved a comfortable strengthening season. After this I took 
leave of my friends there, parting from them in near unity and 
brotherly affection, and passed the next morning by water to 

8 



58 JOURNAL OF 

Staten Island. The day following we had two meetings there, 
and though small by reason of rain, were, nevertheless, both 
attended with a comfortable degree of divine favour. The next 
day we left the island and rode to Shrewsbury ; and the day 
after, being first day, we sat with Friends there, and, I trust, it 
was a profitable season to some present, and relieving to my own 
mind ; strength and utterance being furnished to open divers 
truths of the gospel, in the demonstration of the spirit, accompa- 
nied with a good degree of the divine power ; to God only wise 
be the praise, who is over all, worthy for ever. 

On second day we attended a meeting at a Friend's house about 
seven miles from Shrewsbury, on our way to Squan. On third 
and fourth days we were at Squan and Squancum, both small 
meetings, as there are but few of our society in those parts ; yet 
they were, for the most part, satisfactory seasons. We also sat 
with Friends in their preparative meeting in the latter place, 
which appeared in a state of great weakness ; but as way open- 
ed, I was led to make some remarks, in order to stir Friends up 
to more diligence and circumspection ; and to show the necessity 
of an inward travail for the arising of truth, which can only 
qualify for the right ordering of the affairs of society. The next 
day we rode to Barnegat, and after an opportunity with Friends 
there the following day, we passed on to Little Eggharbour, 
where we remained till first day, the 24th of the month. Notice 
being spread of our intention of attending Friends' meeting there, 
many of the neighbouring inhabitants came in, and sat with 
Friends, and were very attentive ; divers truths of the gospel 
were opened in the clear demonstration of the spirit, and I was 
helped to leave them with a peaceful mind. On the 25th we 
rode to Great Eggharbour, and the three following days attended 
meetings at the upper and lower meeting-houses of Friends there, 
also an appointed meeting near the head of Great Eggharbour 
river, at a place called Stephens' Creek ; they were generally 
small, yet attended with a good degree of favour ; for which my 
spirit was made humbly thankful. On sixth day we attended a 
meeting at Cape May, which, through the gracious condescension 
of the Shepherd of Israel, was made a duly comfortable season, 



ELIAS HICKS. 59 

and His great name magnified and praised, who is worthy for 
ever. 

From thence we rode to Morris' river, and attended a meeting 
appointed at the house of Isaac Buzby, a man inclining to Friends. 
The spirit of truth favoured me with wisdom and utterance, to 
divide the word suitably to the states of those present ; and ap- 
parently to their and to my own satisfaction and comfort. We 
rode that afternoon to the house of a Friend of the name of 
Henry Rulon, where we had an appointed meeting the next 
day. After this we passed on to Greenwich, and the two follow- 
ing days attended a meeting there, and one at the head of 
Cohansy Creek. Then we rode to the house of our kind friend 
Mark Miller, at Salem,' and rested the next day. The day 
following, being the first of the week, and 7th of 1st month, we 
attended the meeting there, which was very large, many coming 
in that were not members ; the power of truth was exalted over 
all, to the comfort of many hearts, and to the praise and glory of 
Him, who is the strength and help of his dependent children. 
On second day we attended a meeting at Woodstown ; I was 
closely engaged among them in a searching testimony, pointing 
out the great danger, and hurtful tendency of the want of unity, 
and joining in with the spirit of the world, and neglecting a right 
conformity to the wholesome order, established among us, as a 
religious society ; whereby many disorders had crept in, wound- 
ing to many : strength was afforded me, and utterance given, 
and truth exalted over all opposition and disorderly spirits- The 
four following days we attended meetings at Penn's Neck, Mul- 
lica Hill, Upper Greenwich, and Woodbury ; they were all 
seasons of favour, especially the last, where truth was eminently 
exalted, and the doctrines of the gospel held forth in the demon- 
stration of the spirit ; and the hearts of the faithful were made 
to rejoice in a sense of the Lord's goodness, to whom belongs the 
praise of his own work for ever. 

On seventh day we rested with our esteemed friend Joshua 
Evens : and on first day attended Newtown meeting, and the 
day following, that at Haddonfield, both of which were profitable 
edifying meetings. In the afternoon, after the latter meeting, 



60 JOURNAL OF 

we crossed the river Delaware to Philadelphia, and the three 
following days attended the three meetings in that city; they 
were all opportunities of favour, and I had much satisfaction in 
this short visit to Friends of this place. I was comforted in the 
experience of an open door among them, both in meetings and in 
families where my lot was cast ; and I felt my spirit nearly united 
to a living remnant, especially a number of the beloved youth, who 
are under the forming hand, preparing for service ; some of 
whom, I trust and believe, will be as valiants in their day, for 
the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness in the 
earth. May the Lord bless, and keep them faithful to himself, 
and cover their heads in the day of battle. 

On sixth day, the 19th of 1st month, we left the city in order 
to attend a meeting at Darby, notice having gone before of our 
intention ; it proved an open time, but the meeting was hurt by 
an indiscreet appearance towards the end, which clothed my 
spirit with sorrow, not only on the Friends' account, but espe- 
cially on account of the people, for whose information and reli- 
gious instruction, my mind had been closely engaged. We rode 
that afternoon to Chester, and the next day attended a meeting 
there, which was owned with manifestations of divine favour ; 
and I was instructed to hand out doctrine, suitable to the states 
of the people present. After this we rode to Wilmington ; and 
the next day, being the first of the week, and the 21st of 1st 
month, we attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings. I 
was silent in the first ; but, through the merciful assistance of the 
Shepherd of Israel, the latter proved a comfortable strengthening 
season ; after a time of close exercise in silent labour, and deep 
baptism into death and suffering with the seed, the power of 
truth went forth with authority against many things that opened 
to view, as the cause of that deep oppression of the seed of life 
among them ; the meeting ended under a sense of the Lord's 
goodness, and many hearts were made to rejoice. 

The six following days we attended meetings at Whiteclay 
Creek, Appoquinamink, Duck Creek, Little Creek, Motherkill, 
and Camden, which is a village where no meeting of Friends is 
held ; things appeared low in most of them, as to the life of 



ELIAS HICKS. 61 

religion. But, through the condescending goodness of the Shep- 
herd of Israel, I had an open door among them, and many gos- 
pel truths were held forth, in the clear demonstration of the 
spirit, and with power ; the last, especially, was a time thank- 
fully to be remembered by me, and, I believe, by many others 
present; thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift, that he is 
not leaving himself without a witness in the hearts of the people. 
The next day, first of the week, we attended Millford meeting ; 
things appeared very low, and but few of our society in that part, 
and those appeared very indifferent, and several of them were 
absent. On second day we attended a meeting at Cool Spring, 
and the next day attended an appointed meeting on our way 
towards Third Haven ; it was held in a Friend's house, who 
had lately been received a member, and who before was a pro- 
fessor with the people called Nicholites ; he appeared to be a 
pretty solid man. The meeting was in a good degree favoured ; 
the way of preparation, as held forth in John's dispensation, for 
the more full manifestation of the gospel state, was set forth } 
with the nature of true Christian or spiritual baptism ; and that 
John's baptism was only a figure thereof, and, therefore, was no 
part of Christ's baptism, and, consequently, had no place in, nor 
could be of any use under, the dispensation of the gospel. The 
people appeared generally satisfied, and I parted with them in 
peace of mind. 

The six following days we attended meetings at North West 
Fork, Marshy Creek, Centre, Greensborough, Tuckahoe Neck, 
and Tuckahoe ; and, although these meetings were attended by 
but few of those who were joined in fellowship with us, yet they 
were mostly crowded full meetings, many of the neighbouring 
inhabitants coming in, divers of whom were holders of slaves, 
and others very raw and ignorant. My spirit was much exer- 
cised in travail among them, being baptised into their low and 
uncultivated states ; nevertheless, through the merciful inter- 
ference of the Shepherd of Israel, their lost and undone condition, 
without a Saviour, was clearly laid open before them ; also the 
way of return, reconciliation, and salvation. Many present were 
aroused and reached by the power of truth, which was graciously 



62 JOURNAL OP 

prevalent in most of these meetings ; their spirits greatly tender- 
ed, and the few faithful among them were made to rejoice ; and 
my spirit was humbly thankful, in a sense of the Lord's good- 
ness ; to him alone be the praise ; nothing due to man. 

Three of the above meetings were held in meeting-houses be- 
longing to a people under the denomination of Nicholites ; many 
of them were led into great self-denial, particularly in regard to 
dress and household furniture. They appeared one in principle 
with us, their faith and doctrine being founded on the manifestation 
and influence of the divine light, inwardly revealed. Most of 
them, of late, have requested to be joined in membership with 
Friends, and have been received. Many of them appear to be a 
worthy people ; yet, I fear, some were a little hurt by being too 
tenacious in their dress, particularly in making it a point to have 
all parts of their clothing white. Yet, in general, they appeared 
to be a plain innocent upright-hearted people ; and I felt a concern 
lest they should be hurt by the great and prevailing deficiencies 
manifest amongst us, by many turning away from the purity and 
simplicity of our holy self-denying profession. This, I believe, 
is a subject worthy of the deep consideration of those delinquent 
brethren. For if it be a truth, as most certainly it is, that whoso- 
ever offendeth one of the least of those who believe in Christ, it 
were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, 
and he cast into the sea ; what will become of those, who live in 
the daily practice of those things, which give continual offence to 
their brethren, and are stumbling blocks in the way of honest 
inquirers. 

Aftjar attending the aforesaid meetings, we passed on, having 
meetings at Choptank, Third Haven and Bayside, on the eastern 
shore of Maryland. The two first were attended by many of 
other societies, a number of whom were Methodists, and al each 
was one of their ministers ; both of whom were very solid, and 
paid great attention ; one of them was much affected, and wept 
freely for a considerable time ; and, wiih divers others, manifested 
their full satisfaction. My spirit was much humbled, and made 
to rejoice in the Lord, that he was graciously near, and made 
bare his arm for our help, and carried us through the exercise of 



ELIAS HICKS, 63 

those meetings, to the honour of his own name, who is over all, 
worthy for ever. 

After leaving Bayside, we attended a meeting which we had 
appointed the day before, on our way thither, at a village called 
St. Michael's, among the Methodists ; the people were nearly all 
of that profession in this place. It was held in their meeting- 
house, and was the first meeting appointed by any Friend in 
that place, except a small one by some women Friends some 
years before. There was, at this time, a general collection ; 
and, considering their unacquaintance with us, and our manner 
of sitting in silence, they behaved pretty well. A comfortable 
degree of the divine presence was witnessed, and many minds 
tendered and comforted, and divers gospel truths clearly opened 
to the apparent satisfaction of most present. 

We left them with peace of mind, and the next day attended 
a meeting at Easton, alias Third Haven, among the black peo- 
ple, which we had appointed some days before. It proved a 
favoured opportunity, and to the edification, comfort, and encou- 
ragement of this poor, injured, and too much despised people ; 
many of whom, I believe, have good desires begotten in their 
minds after the knowledge of the truth. 

The next day, the first of the week, and the 11th of 2d month, 
we attended Friends' meeting at this place, and information of 
our intention of being here having been given before, the neigh- 
bouring inhabitants generally came in, so that the house was 
much crowded. The gospel was largely and freely preached 
among them, to the apparent satisfaction of all present. How 
marvellous is thy loving kindness, O Lord, to the workmanship 
of thy holy hand ; how art thou graciously holding out, from 
season to season, offers of reconciliation to thy revolting and 
rebellious children, and art calling to them, by thy servants, now, 
as formerly, return, return, repent and live ; for why will ye die, O 
house of Israel, saith your God. We continued here and attend- 
ed their meeting of Ministers and Elders ; and, on fifth day, their 
monthly meeting, which was in some degree favoured ; divers 
things were opened for the improvement and encouragement of 
Friends in well ordering the affairs of truth. 



64 JOURNAL OF 

The day following we rode to Chester, and the next day 
attended Friends' monthly meeting at Cecil, which was small ; 
but truth favoured me with ability to labour, to stir up Friends 
to more vigilance, and careful waiting for the arising of the 
spring of life ; as nothing short of the divine power, and renewed 
quickenings of the holy spirit, can qualify for the promotion of 
good order and discipline in the Church. The next day, the 
first of the week, we attended the meeting here. Notice having 
been given to the neighbouring inhabitants, many came in, most 
of whom appeared very raw and light ; nevertheless, as Friends 
kept down to their exercise, towards the close of the meeting, 
truth came into dominion ; and all that opposed it was made to 
bow and acknowledge its power ; for which my spirit was made 
thankful to the Author of every blessing. On second and third 
days following, we attended two meetings ; the first, in Friends' 
meeting-house at Chester, and the latter at Chestertown in their 
court-house ; both pretty large meetings, and overshadowed with 
the wing of divine power ; although, in the latter meeting, we 
had to arrive at it through deep baptism, and suffering with the 
seed ; for those that reign with Christ, must be willing likewise 
to suffer. The people, in the forepart, were very light, often 
whispering one to the other ; a spirit of licentiousness appeared to 
be prevalent with many of them ; but as truth arose, they were 
gradually subjected, until a becoming solemnity appeared in 
almost every countenance. I trust some good was effected in 
some minds ; but we must leave the event to the Lord, to whom 
alone belongs all the praise ; nothing due to man, but blushing 
and confusion of face. 

The next day we attended a meeting at the head of Chester ; 
it was somewhat hurt, in the forepart, for want of room. The 
house was not sufficient to contain all who came, and the 
weather too cold to stand without ; yet, as it settled into quiet, it 
proved a precious baptizing season, and many hearts were melted 
into deep contrition. I had cause to hope that, if the few Friends 
in that place show forth a good example, there will be some 
gathered. The day following we attended the meeting at Sassa- 
fras, to pretty good satisfaction. The next day we rode to East 



ELIAS HICKS. 05 

Nottingham, and attended their monthly meeting the day after ; 
it proved a very exercising meeting, things being much out of 
order among them. I was led forth in a line of close searching 
labour, both in testimony in the first part of the meeting, and 
likewise in that for discipline ; but I got little relief, except from 
a consciousness, in myself, of having discharged my duty faith- 
fully among them. The next day, the first of the week, and 
25th of 2d month, we attended their particular meeting ; in which 
I had to expose, in a close, arousing testimony, that spirit among 
Friends, which pleads for joining with those active in civil govern- 
ment, and taking part therein, and adopting the maxims and 
spirit of the world. Truth reigned triumphantly in this meet- 
ing over all opposition and disorderly spirits. The 26th we 
rested. The 27th we attended West Nottingham meeting to 
good satisfaction, and were made to rejoice in truth's victory over 
death and darkness, for which the honest-hearted were made 
thankful. The 28th we attended a meeting, lately established, 
about five miles distant from the former, which I sat mostly in 
silence, feeling no clear commission for preaching the gospel 
among them. 

Trie 1st of 3d month, we attended Little Britain meeting, 
wherein I was opened and led into a large doctrinal communica- 
tion, suited to the states of many present. The meeting was 
large and solid, and, I trust, edifying and instructive to a number 
present. But too many, who have ears to hear, and are led to 
acknowledge the truth of testimonies delivered, neglect the prac- 
tical part, which is the most essential ; and are, therefore, in a 
situation like those, who, seeing their natural faces in a glass, 
turn away, and forget what manner of persons they are. The 
2d, we passed over the river Susquehannah, and lodged at Rich- 
ard Webb's, at Fawn, and attended their meeting next day. It 
was a solid, and, I believe to many, a profitable season. The 
4th, and first of the week, we attended Deer Creek meeting, 
which was large, and favoured with the overshadowing wing 
of heavenly regard. The condescending goodness and mercy 
of a gracious God to his sinful creatures were marvellously dis- 
played. The meeting was composed, in part, of a number of 



66 JOURNAL OF 

dark undisciplined spirits, many of whom, it was thought, had 
not been at any meeting for several years, and some of them 
never at any of ours before. The meeting appeared to be gene- 
rally brought under a becoming solemnity, and concluded to our 
solid comfort. The 5th, we attended Bush River meeting, and 
although it was composed generally of a loose careless-minded 
people, yet truth favoured me ; and, through divine help, the 
gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit, and with 
power. Many present were made sensible of its baptizing influ- 
ence ; and all contrary spirits appeared subjected, and brought 
down, and truth reigned triumphant. 

The 6th and 7th of 3d month, we attended the meetings at 
Little Falls, and Gunpowder, both seasons of favour. The 8th 
we attended Friends' monthly meeting at Baltimore. It was, I 
trust, a profitable season, both in the meeting for worship, and 
that for the discipline of the Church. In the meeting for worship, 
I was led, in a close searching testimony, to set forth the great 
danger, and hurtful effects, of Friends joining in with the spirit 
of the world, and taking any part m the fluctuating govern- 
ments, customs, and manners thereof. Things opened clearly 
to show, that, in days past, the apostacy took place through that 
medium, both among the primitive Christians, and also in our 
own society ; and that the only way, for us as a people to regain 
the primitive state, was to return back into ancient simplicity, to 
separate from the world, its spirit, governments, manners, and 
maxims ; and to make no league with those actuated thereby. 
Truth rose into dominion, and the faithful among them were 
strengthened. May praises for ever be ascribed to the Shepherd 
of Israel, who is indeed a God near at hand, and a present helper 
in every needful time. 

The 9th we rested, and I wrote to my family and friends 
at home. The 10th, we visited several families in the morning, 
and in the afternoon, at the third hour, attended a meeting 
among the poor, at the alms-house belonging to this city. It 
proved a comfortable season, and I was glad I gave up to the 
service. The 11th being the first of the week, we attended 
Friends' meeting in the forenoon, and some notice being given 



ELIAS HICKS. 67 

among the town's people of our being there, it was large ; and 
after sitting a considerable time in silent labour, wherein my 
mind was baptized into the states of those present. I stood up 
with a prospect of the hurtful tendency of pride, both in religious 
and civil society. Truth opened the way, and gradually rose 
into a good degree of dominion, and, I trust, it was a profitable 
season to many present. In the afternoon, at the third hour, we 
had a meeting with the black people ; and, except the hurt 
received by their long and untimely gathering, I think it was, in 
general, a comfortable season ; and many among them appeared 
to be brought into a becoming solemnity, and we parted under 
the savour of truth. 

On the 12th, we attended a meeting at Elk Ridge ; it proved, 
in general, a heavy season, yet, I trust, a time of profit and 
favour to some. We rode that afternoon thirteen miles towards 
Indian Spring meeting, which we attended the next day. In 
this meeting, I was led, in a plain and full manner, to expose the 
enormous sin of oppression, and of holding our fellow creatures 
in bondage, with the pernicious fruits and effects of it, to those 
who are guilty thereof, especially to their children ; who, being 
supported by the labour and toil of those held in slavery, and 
thereby brought up in idleness, were led into pride, and a very 
false, and dark idea respecting God, and his superintending pro- 
vidence, and into many other evils, fatal to their present and 
eternal well being, and tending to disqualify them from being 
useful in almost any respect, either to themselves or society, and 
thereby rendering them unworthy of the respect of wise and good 
men. Truth rose into dominion, and some present, who were 
slave holders, were made sensible of their conditions, and were 
much affected. I felt a hope to arise that the opportunity would 
prove profitable to some, and I left them with peace of mind. 
Since then, I have been informed, that a woman, present at that 
season, who possessed a number of slaves, was so fully con- 
vinced, as to set them free, and, not long after, joined in mem- 
bership with Friends : which is indeed cause of gratitude and 
thankfulness of heart, to the great and blessed Author of every 
mercy vouchsafed to the children of men. 



Vb JOURNAL OP 

On the 14th we were at Sandy Spring- meeting, to satisfaction. 
The 15th, we attended Friends' preparative meeting at Alexan- 
dria. It was a small weak meeting, very few manifesting any 
real concern for the support of our Christian testimonies. They 
gathered there from different parts of the country, mostly for the 
advancement of their temporal interest ; and this being upper- 
most with them, they were disqualified for improvement in reli- 
gious experience. O that we, as a people, were more weaned 
from the world and its fading enjoyments, and our affections 
placed on celestial treasure ; then would the light of the Church 
break forth out of obscurity, and her darkness become as the 
noonday ; thousands would then be gathered from the highways 
and hedges, and flock to the brightness of her arising, with ever- 
lasting joy upon their heads. 

The 16th we rode to Fairfax, about forty-six miles. The 17th 
we attended their select quarterly meeting. The 18th, the first 
of the week, we attended the meeting at this place, which was 
large, composed of Friends and others. I was led to open the 
great advantages attendant on a life of righteousness, from that 
scripture passage, " Righteousness exalteth a nation j but sin is 
a reproach to any people ;" and showing the difference between 
a righteousness, founded on the laws, maxims, and precepts of 
men, and the righteousness that is witnessed by faith in the Son 
of God, as revealed to the hearts and souls of the children of 
men through the holy spirit. Although there were many raw, 
and uncultivated persons present, yet truth came into a good 
degree of dominion and victory, and, I trust, it was a profitable 
season to some. 

The 19th we attended the quarterly meeting for discipline, in 
which I had some service, in opening the nature and end of 
discipline, and encouraging Friends to an improvement therein, 
to the solid satisfaction of the honest in heart. The next day 
was the youth's meeting for the last time; the quarterly meeting, the 
day before, having concluded to discontinue the same thereafter, 
from ;i belief that its usefulness was over; and that it had be- 
come more hurtful than beneficial. A great concourse of idle 
people came together at that time, not so much for the sake of 



ELIAS HICKS. 69 

the meeting-, as to see and be seen, and to make it a place of 
diversion. I had considerable to say among them, but got but 
little relief ; by reason, as I apprehended, of a spirit of infidelity 
and licentiousness, too generally prevailing among the people. I 
was satisfied the quarterly meeting had done right in discon- 
tinuing that meeting ; believing, if continued, it would have been 
very prejudicial to the youth, for whose good, in the first institu- 
tion thereof, it was intended. 

The 21st we attended the preparative meeting of South Fork, 
which is a branch of Goose Creek monthly meeting. I was 
silent in the meeting for worship, but had some close labour 
with Friends in their preparative meeting. I felt my spirit much 
oppressed with a sense of the great lukewarmnesSj and love of 
the world, which appeared to prevail in such a manner, that the 
business of the preparative meeting was conducted in a very 
weak vague manner, and void of a right sense of the dignity of 
such a meeting, or a due concern for the preservation of right 
order. I felt peace of mind in a faithful discharge of my duty 
among them. 

The 22d we were at Goose Creek preparative meeting, which 
was large in the first sitting, many of other societies coming in. 
After a considerable time of silent labour, in deep baptism with 
the suffering seed, my mouth was opened in a clear full testi- 
mony, directed to the states of those present. And many were 
brought under the influence of that power which "cut Rahab, 
and wounded the dragon." Truth came into dominion, and a 
good degree of victory over all was witnessed. Nevertheless, 
such is the deadness and indifference of some who go under our 
name, that, at the close of this very solemn meeting for worship, 
they withdrew with those who were not members, and continued 
out until the preparative meeting had proceeded considerably in 
its business ; and then came in one after another, in a very care- 
less unthinking manner. My heart was grieved, and I have 
often been affected with similar conduct in many places in those 
parts, as also in some others ; a conduct, which appears to me to 
carry in it great indignity to our high and holy profession ; and, 
I believe, is greatly offensive to the great Head of the Church, 



70 JOURNAL OP 

for the promotion of whose righteous cause, these meetings for 
discipline are established. I believe one great cause of this 
sorrowful weakness and declension is owing to a want of due 
administration of discipline, by those who are called thereto. By 
overlooking one little thing after another, custom establishes those 
bad habits ; and great loss is sustained by the Church in general, 
and by some of its members in particular. It is very observable 
that meetings, where those things are apparent, are generally in 
a declining state. I was exercised in a plain way of dealing 
with those delinquents, showing them the hurtful tendency of 
such conduct. Truth prevailed, and many hearts were much 
tendered, and the hands of the faithful strengthened ; to the Lord 
only wise be the praise of his own work, who is over all, worthy 
for ever. 

The 23d we attended a meeting at a place called the Gap, 
where there was a small meeting of Friends. It was, however, 
a large collection, many of other societies attending, more than 
the house could hold. Many of them appeared to be a raw 
insensible people, void of any right idea or knowledge of true 
religion, which made the meeting very trying and painful ; yet 
not without some degree of favour towards the conclusion, by 
truth's obtaining the victory over death and darkness. 

Whilst in this neighbourhood, my mind was brought into a 
state of deep exercise and travail, from a sense of the great turn- 
ing away of many among us, from the law and the testimony, 
and the prevailing of a spirit of great infidelity and deism among 
the people, and darkness spreading over the minds of many as a 
thick veil. It was a time in which Thomas Paine's Age of 
Reason (falsely so called) was much attended to in those parts ; 
and some, who were members in our society, as I was informed, 
were captivated by his dark insinuating address, and were ready 
almost to make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. Under 
a sense thereof, my spirit was deeply humbled before the ma- 
jesty of heaven, and in the anguish of my soul, I said, "spare 
thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach," and 
suffer not thy truth to fall in the streets. 

The 24th we attended the monthly meeting at Fairfax, which 



ELIAS HICKS. 71 

was an exercising season, things being much out of order, for 
want of more faithfulness among the members, and a due atten- 
tion to discipline. I laboured among them in the ability received, 
for their encouragement, and incitement to their respective du- 
ties ; but alas for us, most men mind their own things, and not 
the things that are Jesus Christ's. A worldly spirit too much 
prevails among the professors of truth, to their great hurt, and to 
the great grief of the honest-hearted, who are in travail for Zion's 
prosperity, and Jerusalem's peace. 

The 25th, we attended their first day meeting, which was 
large, and in it strength was graciously afforded to minister to 
the people in truth's authority, which came into dominion over 
all. This afternoon we passed over the great river Potomac, in 
our way to Bush Creek, in Maryland ; this, by reason of rains, 
was very full, and difficult to pass. After we had passed over the 
river Potomac, we had much difficulty in crossing a creek not far 
from it. There was a floating bridge over it ; but the water was 
so high, that we could not approach the bridge by the road com- 
monly used ; and we only succeeded in reaching it, by proceeding 
ourselves on the top of a high fence, and leading our horses by 
our sides. Mine fell into a deep part of the creek ; but he soon 
rose, and swam to the shore. A Friend was in company with 
us, with a one horse carriage ; and there appeared to be no way 
of getting his conveyance over, but by the horse swimming with 
it over the creek. This we knew would be attended with con- 
siderable risk, as the creek was deep in the middle, and the car- 
riage a heavy one. But as there were no inhabitants on this 
neck of land, nor near to it, and as night was coming on, we 
pursued that course, and led the horse with the carriage into the 
creek ; and after violent exertions, being at one time drawn 
under water by the weight of the carriage, he took it safe over. 
We were thus favoured to surmount this great difficulty, without 
any hurt to ourselves, or our horses ; which was cause of thank- 
fulness and gratitude to the great Author of every mercy and 



We proceeded to a Friend's house by the name of Richard 
Richardson, where we had a meeting the next day, with his 



72 JOURNAL OP 

family, and a number of the neighbouring people, who were not 
Friends. It proved a favoured season, and I trust will not soon 
be forgotten by some present ; may it fasten as a nail in a sure 
place ; and to some I have a hope it may be as bread cast upon 
the waters, to return after many days. 

The day following we attended Bush Creek meeting, notice 
having gone forward some days before, of our intention of being 
there at this time ; it was large, and greatly favoured with 
the prevalence of truth, by way of testimony. Many things, 
relative to true gospel worship, were clearly opened, and the 
fallacy and fruitlessness of all-will worship, and mere bodily ex- 
ercise, in matters of religion, manifested to the view of all present, 
who had eyes to see, and hearts to understand, what the spirit 
saith to the Churches. It was a very solemn time, worthy of 
grateful remembrance. 

The 28th we attended Pipe Creek meeting, wherein I was 
greatly afflicted with evil thoughts, which would keep arising in 
my mind, that I was almost at times taken off from my proper 
exercise. This very much grieved my spirit ; but, as I endea- 
voured to keep up the warfare, I was led to believe it was the 
case with too many present ; and that by giving way to such 
thoughts, some had become captivated by their own lusts, wound- 
ing one another ; and divers disorders, and a want of unity, had 
got in among them, and many hurt thereby. I was led into the 
necessity of bearing testimony against these things, as way open- 
ed, and calling the attention of all present, to the light, spirit, 
grace, and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ, our holy pattern, as 
the only place of refuge and preservation from these, and all 
other hurtful things. After this meeting, the Friend, where we 
lodged, informed me the next morning, that himself and his 
wife were uneasy that no Friends had come in to see us after 
the meeting, and were afraid they would judge them of having 
informed me of their condition, the states of many had been so 
exactly described in the meeting ; but I told him they need not 
be troubled, as they knew themselves to be clear. 

The two following days we attended meetings at Monallen 
and Huntington ; they were both exercising seasons ; neverthc- 



EL1AS HICKS. 73 

less, truth favoured me with ability and understanding to com- 
municate in a close searching manner, suited to the states of 
those present ; and a crumb of consolation was handed forth to 
the few honest-hearted, who were in travail for Zion's arising, 
and who went mourning on their way, and bowed in spirit, from 
a sense of the great turning away from the law and testimony, 
and the prevalence of a spirit of ease and great indifference, 
whereby many wrong things had entered. 

From thence we passed on to Warrington and Newberry, in 
each of which meetings truth favoured with victory ; and the 
hidden things of Esau, or the first nature, which are earthly, 
were brought to light, searched out. detected, and condemned. 
The manner and way in which the new or second birth, which is 
spiritual, and which has the promise, is brought forth and effected, 
was clearly shown and pointed out : with the blessing attendant 
thereon, to the comfort of the faithful, and the few willing minded 
among them, and to the stirring up and arousing the lukewarm, 
careless, and indifferent professors, from their beds of ease and 
carnal security. The latter meeting especially was a time to be 
remembered : many hearts were greatly affected, and, I trust, 
the season will not soon be forgotten by some. I was very 
thankful for the relief I felt to my own mind, after many days 
of deep baptism with the suffering seed. Religion appeared to be 
at a very low ebb in those parts, by the prevalence of a worldly 
spirit, which makes hard work for the poor travellers, who 
have to go up and down among them, as with their hands upon 
their loins for very pain. Did those lukewarm careless profes- 
sors rightly consider the great distress and exercise they bring 
upon their concerned brethren, who are in travail for their re- 
demption and salvation ; and who are going up and down as 
with their lives in their hands, through difficulties and dangers, 
in jeopardy by sea and by land, and among- false brethren, we 
might reasonably suppose it would be a means to stir them up 
to more diligence and circumspection, that they might thereby 
comfort them in then exercises, and relieve them in then tribu- 
lations ; then they that sow, and they that reap, might rejoice 
together, and joy hi the God of then salvation. 

10 



74 JOURNAL OF 

Our next meeting was at Yorktown, where we tarried two 
days, and were at their monthly meeting, wherein things appealed 
distressingly low, as to the right conducting of discipline in truth's 
authority : indeed the meeting seemed sunk so below any proper 
sight and sense of right order, that no way opened to administer 
much or any help ; and we left them without obtaining much 
relief of mind. We passed on, having a meeting near Wright's 
ferry ; and then crossed the great river Susquehannah, and had 
meetings at Lancaster and Lampeter. On first day, the 8th of 
4th month, we attended a meeting at Sadsbury, which, through 
hard labour, proved a season of enlargement, in a line of close 
doctrine, suited to the varied states of those present ; some minds 
appeared to be much humbled ; may it not be in vain, but as 
seed sown on good ground. , 

The 10th of 4th month we attended West Cain meeting, the 
llth Fallowfleld, both favoured meetings. The 12th we at- 
tended London Grove meeting, wherein I was led to open the duty 
and obligation incumbent on ministers, elders, overseers, and 
heads of families. I began with this query of the prophet Isaiah, 
"Watchman, what of the night;" showing that for want of 
keeping up a strict watch, with an eye single to that inward 
holy monitor, or spirit of pure unerring wisdom, many hurtful 
and destructive things had got in among us. Especially for 
want of a godly care in parents and heads of families, over their 
children and those under their charge, many pollutions had got 
in, and spread among them ; particularly the youth, not only in 
regard to a departure from the simplicity and purity of our holy, self- 
denying profession, in dress and address, but also in many other 
unseemly and reproachful practices ; which is but the natural 
consequence of parents indulging undue liberties in their children. 
It was a solemn time, worthy of grateful remembrance. The 
13th we were at West Grove meeting, in whicli I had to go 
through a similar exercise ; from a sense of the great want of 
faithfulness among the members, whereby many deficiencies 
were apparent, wounding the faithful. Truth favoured nie with 
ability to clear myself among them, with plainness of speech ; 
which was cause of thankfulness to the honest-hearted. 



ELTAS HICKS, 75 

The 14th we attended New Garden meeting, mostly in silence, 
in which I had peace. The 15th, and first of the week, we 
attended Hockesson meeting ; and, at the fourth hour in the 
afternoon were at Center : the 16th at Kennet ; these were, for 
the most part, suffering seasons. Although there is a small 
remnant preserved, who are in travail for truth's arising, yet the 
greater part are too much captivated by a worldly spirit ; which 
leads into a neglect of attending meetings, and great carelessness 
in respect to the right ordering their families ; by reason whereof, 
many undue liberties have got in among them, wounding 1 the 
faithful and honest-hearted. 

The 17th we attended Chichester meeting ; it was a time 
thankfully to be remembered ; the everlasting gospel of peace 
and salvation was preached in truth's authority ; and all con- 
trary spirits were subjected and brought down. Truth reigned 
triumphantly over all ; magnified for ever be the name of 
the Lord, who made bare his arm for our help, and the 
strengthening and refreshing of my poor soul. I had been at 
times, for days and nights past, ready to sink into discourageinent 
and dismay, by reason of the deep baptisms I had to pass through, 
unknown to man, but in fellowship with the suffering seed, 
which lies smothered and pressed down in the hearts of many 
careless and lukewarm professors, as a cart under sheaves. Oh 
how does darkness and death spread itself, as a curtain, in this 
once highly favoured land ! Alas for the people, for the professors 
of truth ; what will become of them, unless they repent and turn 
to the Lord. Parents and children, in some places, are so 
estranged from the law and testimony, that many seem plunged 
into the condition of Jerusalem formerly, when this pathetic 
lamentation was taken up by the dear Master; -O Jerusalem, 
Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which 
are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children 
even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye 
would not. Behold your house is left unto you desolate." Oh 
how is this verified ; what great desolations, in a religious 
sense, are apparent with many professors : and how are the 
poor servants, that are sent forth among them for their reco- 



76 JOURNAL OP 

very, as with' their lives in their hands, as it were stoned, and 
often so plunged into death and sufferings, as almost to despair 
of life ! Oh the pangs that my poor soul has endured of late, in 
many places ; so that I had often to say in secret, with the holy 
apostle ; " why stand we in jeopardy every hour V No tongue 
can tell, nor is it in the power of language to communicate, the 
distress and anguish, which is sometimes endured hy the poor 
travellers, in filling up their measure of the afflictions of Christ, 
for his body's sake, the Church. But, in this also, we are some- 
times strengthened to rejoice, that we are accounted worthy to 
suffer with Him, that when he is pleased to arise in his own 
strength, as the light of the morning, we may be permitted to reign 
with Him ; and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 

The three following days, we were at Concord, Birmingham, 
and Bradford, all favoured meetings, through fervent labour, and 
the prevalence of truth ; may the Lord make it effectual, and 
fasten it as a nail in a sure place. The 21st we were at East 
Calu, mostly silent. The 22d, and 'first of the week, we were 
at Uwchlan ; the meeting was large, wherein I had to expose 
the danger of self-righteousness, or a trust in natural religion, or 
mere morality ; showing that it was no more than the religion 
of Atheists, and was generally the product of pride and self-will ; 
and, however good it may appear to the natural unregenerate 
man, is as offensive in the divine sight, as those more open evils, 
which appear so very reproachful to the eyes of men. I was 
favoured by the spirit of truth, in a large searching testimony, to 
the convicting and humbling many hearts, and comfort of the 
faithful. 

The 23d we attended (lie meeting at Nantmill, mostly in 
silence. The three following days, we were at Pikeland, Valley, 
and Willistown meetings ; all in a good degree favoured! The 
27th we were at Goshen; the meeting was larger. 1 had to 
caution Friends against, mixing with the people in their human 
policies, and outward forms of pn eminent : showing thatj in all 
ages, those, who wexe called to be the Lord's people, had heen 
ruined, or suffered great Loss, by such associations ; and mani- 
festing clearly bj scripture testimony, and ether records, thai our 



ELIAS HICKS. 



77 



strength and preservation consisted in standing alone, and not to 
be counted among the people or nations ; who were setting up 
party, and partial interests, one against another, which is the 
ground of war and bloodshed : these are actuated by the spirit of 
pride, and wrath, which is always opposed to the true Christian 
spirit, which breathes "peace on earth, and goodwill to all men." 
Those, therefore, who are in the true Christian spirit, cannot use 
any coercive force or compulsion by any means whatever ; not 
being overcome with evil, but overcoming evil with good. Al- 
though there were many opposing spirits present, who, in their 
creaturely wisdom and human policy, are pleading for those 
kinds of associations, and taking part in those political govern- 
ments, yet truth favoured, and came into a good degree of 
dominion over all, strengthening and encouraging the true 
travellers for Zion's prosperity. 

The 29th, and first of the week, we attended Middletown 
meeting ; and, at the fourth hour in the afternoon, were at Provi-/ 
dence ; both large crowded meetings, more than the houses could 
contain. I was favoured by the power of truth, in an. eminent 
manner, especially in the former meeting ; where many hearts 
were deeply bowed, from the sensible evidence of the prevalence 
of divine power, which was in dominion over all, tendering the 
hearts of most present. It was a precious season, worthy of 
thankful remembrance, and humble gratitude to the blessed 
Author of all our rich mercies and blessings, " who is over all, 
God blessed for ever." 

The 30th we attended the monthly meeting at Providence, 
consisting of the particular meetings of Providence, Middletown, 
Springfield, and Chester. Things in this meeting appeared in 
a low state, as to the right ordering of the affairs of the Church. 
Numerous, and great, were the apparent deviations among them ; 
many of their youth were gone out into the foolish fashions and 
vain customs of the world to such a degree, as not to retain any 
marks of true' primitive plainness. " O how is the gold become 
dim ; how is the most fine gold changed 1" Many parents, who 
retain a good degree of outward plainness themselves, for want 
of dwelling enough in the pure spring of divine life, have suf- 



78 JOURNAL OP 

fered the eye of their minds to be so far blinded by the god of this 
world, as not only to suffer these improper indulgences in their 
families, and among their children, but, in some instances, are 
ready to plead for them. The sense of this much affected my 
mind, and under this exercise I was led forth in a line of close 
searching labour among them, to stir up Friends to more diligence, 
and honest care in those respects ; which, I trust, afforded a 
degree of comfort and strength to the honest-hearted, and pro- 
cured peace to my own mind, which is a treasure I prefer to all 
this world's glory and honour. 

The 1st of 5th month we attended the meetings of Springfield, 
and Haverford ; both favoured, profitable seasons. The 2d we 
were at Newtown, where, in a line of close searching labour, I 
was led to show the danger of trusting the salvation of our souls 
to any thing short of a full surrender of our wills, and an entire 
dedication of our hearts to the Lord, in an humble circumspect 
walking before Him ; and separating ourselves from the world, 
its spirit, manners, maxims, governments, honours and customs ; 
all of which are polluted, and arising from the lusts of the flesh, 
the lusts of the eye and the pride of life. Truth rose into vic- 
tory, softening many hearts, and comforting and strengthening 
the faithful. Surely God is good to Israel, although in a state 
of great revolting ; yet he delighteth in showing himself merci- 
ful ; praised and magnified be his great and adorable name, over 
all for ever. 

The 3d and 4th we attended meetings at Radnor and Merion ; 
and then passed on to Philadelphia, to attend their quarterly meet- 
ing, which opened on the 5th, with a meeting for Ministers and 
Elders, and closed on third day the 8th of the month, with a 
meeting for the youth, and one for the black people, in the after- 
noon. I think, in general, it was a time of favour, through 
much hard labour in the several sittings. Indeed we have no 
reason to expect to come at the spring any other way, than by 
faithfully digging, as with our staves, while there remains so much 
rubbish on the well's mouth. 

The 9th we attended the select quarterly meeting at Abington; 
and tbe day following the quarterly meeting tor discipline. I 



ELIAS HICKS. 79 

was engaged among them, in each meeting, and the favour 
extended was cause of thankfulness to the honest-hearted. The 
11th we returned to Philadelphia ; and, in the afternoon, passed 
over the river Delaware to Haddonfield in West Jersey. The 
1 2th we attended a monthly meeting at Upper Evesham ; it was 
a low time, with not much of that divine life and power, which 
only can qualify for the right conducting of discipline, to be felt 
among them ; and left them without much relief of mind. 

The 13th of the month, and first of the week, we attended 
meetings at Evesham, and Cropwell ; in the former, I was 
helped to labour pretty largely in testimony, to the comfort of a 
few honest-hearted, and a number of youth with tender minds ; 
but the greater part of the meeting appeared to be in a state of 
great insensibility and ease ; a situation which is generally cal- 
lous to all the tender invitations, and entreaty of their friends, 
who are in travail for their redemption and salvation ) and too 
much like the deaf adder, which will not listen to the voice of the 
charmer, although he charm ever so wisely. In the latter meet- 
ing, I was silent as to ministry. 

The 14th we attended the monthly meeting at Haddonfield, 
in which I laboured, in the ability received, for their help and 
improvement. But alas, some meetings are so lost to the life of 
true religion, and so many, who go under our profession, are 
sunk into such a state of indifference and lukewarmness, that 
the affairs of the Church are too much conducted in a kind of 
. rotation, and creaturely wisdom, void of that true weight, and 
feeling sensibility, which only gives right qualification for service 
in the Church ; hence great weakness ensues, and the way of 
right reformation is closed, and truth prevented from arising in 
its primitive splendour and beauty. 

The 15th we were at Moore's Town and Rancocus ; in the 
former meeting, the power that " cut Rahab, and wounded the 
dragon," manifestly prevailed to the tendering many hearts. 
Truth came into victory over all ; praised for ever be the right 
worthy name of Israel's King, who, in holy condescending love, 
was pleased to make bare his arm for our help ; and once more 
redeemed my poor soul out of adversity, and the deep depressing 



80 JOURNAL OF 

baptisms, which for some days past it had been plunged into, by 
suffering with the seed, which lies pressed down in the hearts 
of many lukewarm worldly minded professors, as a cart with 
sheaves. From thence we passed on, having meetings at Mans- 
field Neck, Burlington, Mansfield, and Bordentown ; which 
were all favoured meetings, truth being near for our help. 

The 20th, and first of the week, we were at Trenton ; the 
meeting was large, many of the town's people, of other profes- 
sions, came in. Strength was made manifest in the midst of 
weakness, and, as truth arose, the gospel was preached in the 
clear demonstration of the spirit; many hearts were tendered 
and comforted, and the few faithful made to rejoice, in a grateful 
sense of the Lord's mercies. 

The 22d we were at Stony Brook meeting, wherein my heart 
was made glad through holy help, and I was enabled to labour 
among them in truth's authority, to the comfort of the willing- 
hearted, and the solid peace Of my own mind. The two follow- 
ing days we were at Plainfield, and Railway; in the latter 
meeting I was wholly silent ; but the former was a time of close 
labour, in a clear plain way, to stir up the minds of the people to 
more diligence, and an inward humble walking with the Lord ; 
which appeared to be too much wanting among them. 

The 25th we attended an appointed meeting at Newark, a 
town wherein no Friends reside. The meeting was small, and 
those gathered appeared mostly in a loose uncultivated state of 
mind ; yet, I believe, there were some thoughtful persons present ; . 
and, I trust, the meeting was in some degree profitable. I left 
them with peace of mind, and proceeded that evening to New- 
York to attend the yearly meeting, which was to be opened 
there on the next day, with a meeting for Ministers and Elders. 
After the first sitting of the meeting, I rode home, not only to 
see my dear wife and family, from whom I had been absent 
more than five months, but also to assist them in getting out to 
the yearly meeting. Our rejoicing was precious, and mutual, in 
and under a. sense of the Lord's mercy and goodness, for whose 

gracious preservation and help, in this arduous journey, my spirit 

was made (<> how in humble adoration and praise, beyond the 



ELIAS HICKS. 81 

expression of language. Oh my soul, what canst thou render 
unto the Lord for all his benefits ! Nothing can be more accept- 
able, than an entire surrender of thine all to his holy disposing ; 
and to endeavour, as at the present time, to continue humbly to 
worship at the footstool of Ins holy throne of grace. Amen. 

I was absent from home in this journey about five months and 
two weeks, and rode about sixteen hundred miles, and attended 
about one hundred and forty -three meetings. 



11 



82 JOURNAL OP 



CHAPTER IV. 

Visit to Connecticut, 1799. — Visit to Oblong and Nine Partners, 1800.— Visit 
on Long Island, 1800. — Visit to Friends in New- Jersey, and Pennsylva- 
nia, 1801. 

Having felt a concern, for some time, to pay a religious visit 
to some towns and places in Connecticut, and, in my way, to be 
with the few Friends at West Hartford, I laid my prospect before 
my friends in the fall of the year 1799, and received a minute 
of concurrence and unity from our monthly meeting. I left 
home the 26th of 10th month, and proceeded to Oblong, in order 
to meet a committee of our yearly meeting, appointed this year, 
to visit the quarterly meetings of Nine Partners and Oblong, and 
the monthly meetings belonging thereto ; a proposition having 
been made for a new arrangement of those meetings, so as to 
establish another quarterly meeting. I accompanied the commit- 
tee in the attendance of both quarterly meetings. 

After this, we proceeded into Connecticut, attending meetings 
in our way to West Hartford, in the following manner, viz : 
three in the town of Sharon, one at Cornwall, one at Goshen, 
and one at Litchfield. They were all favoured meetings. Four 
of them were held in meeting-houses belonging to the Presbyte- 
rians. The latter meeting was but small, considering the large- 
ness of the town, and the great openness manifested by their 
leading members ; there were three of their ministers, and some 
other leading men present. Truth was prevalently manifest 
in this meeting, tendering and comforting the honest-hearted, a 
number of whom, I believe, were at the meeting, whose words 
and conduct clearly manifested a hearty thankfulness for, and 
satisfaction with, the opportunity. Although the great opposition 



ELtAS HICKS. 83 

those meet with, in coming out of their old traditions, may pre- 
vent any open and manifest effects for the present, yet, I believe, 
it will be as bread cast upon the waters, which will return after 
many days ; so that his word which goeth forth, may not return 
void, but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent, to 
the praise and glory of his own worthy name, " who is over all, 
God blessed for ever." 

After this meeting, we passed directly to West Hartford, and 
lodged with our friend Ebenezer Crosby, whose daughter Abi- 
gail had come in company with us from Nine Partners. She 
was a discreet religious young woman, whose mind, I appre- 
hended, was under the operation of the forming hand, for her 
good ; may she be preserved in faith and patience, under the 
varied turnings thereof upon her ; and then, I have no doubt, she 
will become a useful member in the Church. 

The next day we rode to Springfield, about twenty-six miles 
north of this place ; and attended a meeting there the following- 
day. Although the people appeared generally raw and ignorant, 
as to the internal work of true religion on the heart, being mostly 
of those persuasions, whose doctrines lead them to place too much 
trust and dependence on the external works of a Saviour with- 
out them, and an imputative righteousness ; and not expe- 
riencing the internal work of sanctiftcation, wrought by the 
spirit and power of a Saviour within them ; which is a very 
dangerous errour ; nevertheless, I was favoured by the Lord's 
power to relieve my mind, and divers appeared to be tenderly 
affected, and manifested much satisfaction with the opportunity, 
as did the auditory in general. 

We rode back that afternoon to West Hartford, and the day 
following, the first of the week, and 17th of 11th month, we 
attended Friends' meeting ; and another at the house of our 
friend Ebenezer Crosby, in the evening. They were full meet- 
ings, many of other societies attending, mostly Presbyterians. 
Truth favoured, in an eminent degree, in both opportunities, but 
especially in the latter, wherein it rose into great dominion, break- 
ing down, and apparently reducing every contrary spirit. A re- 
markable calm, and general solemnity was felt to spread over the 



84 JOURNAL OF 

assembly, to the solid rejoicing and comfort of many hearts, and 
the exaltation of the cause and testimony of our God ; who, for 
this, and his multiplied favours and blessings, vouchsafed from 
time to time, is worthy of all honour, dominion and glory, both 
now and for ever, j 

The next day, feeling my mind drawn to some of the adjacent 
towns, we rode about ten miles, to a place called Perquanock, 
a thickly settled village in the west part of the township of West 
Windsor. We had a precious opportunity there that evening, 
in a large school-house. Although the notice was very short, it 
being late in the afternoon when we came there, yet, when we 
reached the meeting, which began at the sixth hour, the house 
was nearly full, and soon after taking our seats was crowded 
with as many as it could well contain. A commendable stillness 
was maintained during the silent part of the meeting, which we 
thought a little uncommon, as the people were generally stran- 
gers to us, and our ways. After a time of solemn waiting, my 
mouth was opened in a clear full testimony ; wherein the doc- 
trines of the gospel were largely and plainly held forth, in the 
demonstration of the spirit, and with power, tendering many 
hearts, and to the apparent satisfaction of the people in general; 
many expressing their thankfulness for the favour. We left 
them with the answer of peace in our own minds, and in a full 
persuasion, that the Lord is secretly at work in the minds of 
many of the people in these parts, in order to deliver them from 
the power of their dark and blind leaders, who, for a long time, 
by their carnal and lifeless teachings and doctrines, and many 
vain traditions, have formed almost a total eclipse between God 
and their souls. May the Lord hasten this good work in his own 
time, that those merchants of Babylon, who are trafficking in the 
souls of the people, those blind guides may be so discovered, thai 
no man may buy their merchandize any more. 

The day after, we attended a meeting in Windsor town ; the 
people here seemed to be more under the dark power of their 
teachers, being much blinded with the prejudice of education, so 
that the meeting was but small. Nevertheless, truth favoured 
mo with ability to preach the gospel, with a good degree of 



ELIAS HICKS. 85 



divine authority, to the comfort and edification of some seeking 
minds present. The two following days we attended Friends' 
meeting at Hartford, the latter of which was appointed by our 
friend Jems Johnson, from Ireland. Both were comfortable 
season - 

The sixth of the week, and 22d of the month, we rode to the 
city of Hartford : and way opening for an opportunity with the 
people, a meeting was accordingly appointed at the sixth hour 
in the evening, to be held in a large meeting-house belonging to 
the Presbyterians. A great number of the citizens assembled, 
supposed to be near a thousand, among whom were most of the 
principal inhabitants. The Lord, in whom was our trust, was 
graciously near, and furnished us with ability to conduct the 
meeting to the satisfaction and peace of our own minds ; and to 
the edification of many present, and general satisfaction of the 
assembly. 

We rested on seventh day, and, on first day. we were again 
at Friends' meeting at West Hartford : and notice that we were 
to be there having spread, a considerable number of the neigh- 
bouring inhabitants and some from the city came in. It was a 
season of high favour ; many weighty truths of the gospel were 
clearly opened, and the way of life and salvation placed before 
the minds of the people ; and a general solemnity appeared to 
reign, which was manifest hi almost every countenance, silencing 
every opposite spirit. The hearts of Friends, with my own spirit, 
were bowed in humble acknowledgment and gratitude to the 
Lord our helper, for granting us so great a mercy; and under a 
solemn sense thereof we parted, and took leave of each other in 
great nearness of spirit. 

On second day we turned our faces homeward, attending 
meetings in our way at Cambridge and Woodbury: at the latter 
place we had two meetings : we also had meetings at Middlesex, 
and Stamford, and again at Middlesex on first day ; these were 
generally seasons of divine favour, edifying and instructive. 
After this we passed on into the state of Xew-York, and had 
meetings the six following days, at Rye, White Plains, North 
Castle, Shapaqua, Amawalk, and Croton. As my mind was led, 



86 JOURNAL OF 

in faith and patience, to close in with the baptismal influence of 
the spirit of truth, it- was reduced into a state of suffering with 
the precious seed in the hearts of the people, and their divers 
states were felt, and way made to divide the word aright to those 
assembled ; who were a mixed number of Friends and others. 
Truth was exalted, and set over every contrary spirit, and the 
honest-hearted comforted and encouraged to persevere in the 
"work of righteousness," which "shall be peace ; and the effect 
of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever." 

The following first day we attended Friends' meeting at "West 
Chester ; and in the afternoon we had an appointed meeting 
at East Chester, principally among those not of our society. 
We had cause, in both these meetings, to magnify and adore 
the name of the Lord, who deigned to be near with his saving 
help, and furnished with ability to preach the gospel of life and 
salvation, in the clear demonstration of the spirit ; the power 
attending, convicting and tendering many hearts. The few 
Friends, who dwell in that place, were strengthened and en- 
couraged, and my spirit refreshed and made to rejoice, in those 
closing opportunities. After this I returned home, and found my 
dear wife and tender children all well, to our mutual rejoicing. 
I was out about six weeks, and attended about thirty meetings, 
and two quarterly meetings. 

On my return from my late visit in Connecticut, I felt my 
mind not fully clear of a prospect I then had of a few other 
places ; and the way opening with greater clearness, and feeling 
a motion of love to draw towards again attending the ensuing 
quarterly meetings of Oblong and Nine Partners, after attending 
our quarterly meeting at Westbury, in 1st month, 1800, 1 set out 
with Amos Whitson as my companion. We attended Purchase 
meeting on first day, which I sat in silence, and passed from 
thence to Oblong, and attended their quarterly meeting. After 
this we had a meeting at Kent, in our way to Nine Partners. 
The people of this place are mostly of the Presbyterian society, 
and a considerable number assembled, and behaved in an orderly 
manner. I trust the opportunity was a season of profit, and 
that the labour bestowed may be, to some of those present, as 



ELIAS HICKS. 87 

bread cast upon the waters. After attending the quarterly meet- 
ing of Nine Partners, we had two meetings in our way to Corn- 
wall and Goshen, among those not of our society, though nothing 
very remarkable occurred in either. We had a comfortable 
meeting at Cornwall, and visited Charles Richards and some 
others, who appeared to be going into a separation from Friends, 
having already set up a separate meeting, for which they were 
not long after disowned. They had given way to some very 
inconsistent notions, in which they became so hardened as not 
to take the tender counsel and advice of their friends, who 
laboured much with them for then recovery. From thence we 
returned home, having a few meetings in our way, mostly 
among people of other persuasions. We got well home on first 
day evening, the 16th of 2d month, after attending the morning 
meeting at New- York. As I took this little journey in part to 
fill up what seemed lacking in the other, I now felt clear, and 
my mind was accompanied with true peace, which raised in me 
humble. acknowledgments and gratitude to the great and blessed 
Author of all our mercies. 

Soon after my return from the above little journey, I felt my 
mind drawn, in the renewed feelings of gospel love, to pay a 
religious visit to some of the inhabitants of our island, not of our 
profession. After having opened my prospect to Friends and 
obtained the unity and concurrence of our monthly meeting, I 
performed that service, in the latter part of the fall, and begin- 
ning of the winter following. I was out from home twenty- 
seven days, rode about one hundred and ninety miles, and 
attended thirty-five meetings ; only two of which were held in 
our meeting-houses. They were generally seasons of great fa 
vour, in which my mind was deeply bowed, under a humiliating 
sense of the Lord's mercy, extended from day to day, not only 
in opening the hearts of the people to receive us and our testi- 
mony with manifestation of much love and good will ; but also 
in furnishing matter suitably adapted to the states of those assem- 
bled. Truth was raised into victory, in a remarkable manner, 
in almost every meeting ; and in several, to a very eminent 
degree, even beyond, as I thought, what I had ever before expe- 



88 



JOURNAL OF 



rienced. It ran over like oil. All appeared broken down by its 
precious and embalming influence, in which the Lord was wor- 
shipped, and his great and glorious name praised and exalted 
over all, who is worthy for ever. 

In the spring of 1801, feeling my mind engaged, in the love of 
the gospel, to proceed in a visit to Friends, in some parts of Jersey 
and Pennsylvania, and some places adjacent thereto, I left home 
the 11th of 4th month, with the concurrence and unity of my 
friends ; and with Edmund Willis as a companion. We rode to 
New- York, and attended Friends' forenoon and afternoon meet- 
ings there, on first day. Although the life of religion appeared at 
a low ebb with Friends of that o city, in too general a manner ; 
yet a number of the younger class, and some more advanced in 
life, gave some hope of improvement. My mind was deeply en- 
gaged among them. And, through the condescending goodness 
of the Shepherd of Israel, strength was witnessed to preach the 
gospel in the demonstration of the spirit, and with power ; inso- 
much that a fresh visitation was extended to many present. 
May it rest, and be fastened by the Master of assemblies, as a 
nail in a sure place, to the honour of his great and glorious 
name, who is the blessed Author and finisher of every good word 
and work. 

On second day we left the city, and passed to Elizabethtown 
Point, Woodbridge and upper Freehold. And on fourth day, 
we attended a meeting in the neighbourhood, called Robbins' 
meeting, at the usual time ; and in the afternoon attended Upper 
Freehold meeting. The former was usually a small, weak meet- 
ing ; but information of our intention to be there, being generally 
spread, many came in who were not members ; and it proved a 
profitable edifying season, worthy of grateful remembrance. The 
latter was rather a season of suffering with the seed. I was 
mostly shut up as to any ministerial communication. The next 
day we attended the meetings of Crosswicks, and Upper Spring- 
field ; at both of which strength was afforded to communicate 
what opened in the line of duty, in such a manner as to find 
relief of mind, which I account a great favour. 

We rode to Philadelphia on sixth day, and the next day the 



ELIAS HICKS. 89 

yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders opened; and on the 
ensuing second day, the yearly meeting for discipline, which was 
very large, and continued, by adjournments, through the week, 
and closed on seventh day. Many weighty subjects were opened 
for deliberation. But through the prevalence and mixture of 
unsubjected -spirits, who were too forward and active in their 
own unmortifled wills, much weakness was apparent. This 
greatly increased the burden of the living, and truly baptized 
members, of which class there were a very considerable number, 
who were deeply engaged for the promotion of the cause of truth, 
and that the family at large might be kept in decent and com- 
mendable order, consistent with the gospel of Christ ; and become 
established on the ancient foundation of our holy profession. 
These were nearly united in spirit and in travail for Zion's aris- 
ing, and the Lord was graciously pleased to water them together, 
at seasons, with the descendings of heavenly dew ; by which, 
encouragement was witnessed, to persevere in patience, and in 
thankful acknowledgment, for his continued mercy ; and they 
were favoured to return from their annual solemnity with re- 
joicing, for all the good the Lord had been pleased to favour them 
with. 

We remained in the city over first day, and attended the fore- 
noon meeting at Market-street, which was very large. My 
spirit was set at liberty, and ability afforded to divide the word 
among them, according to their varied conditions, in a large 
searching and effectual testimony ; whereby a holy solemnity 
was witnessed to spread over the meeting, to the great rejoicing 
of the honest-hearted. But alas, how oft are those seasons of 
comfort interrupted and hurt, by the indiscreet forwardness of 
some who have been called to publish the gospel ; but, for want 
of dwelling enough in the root, have branched out in the fertility 
of their own natural abilities, and become too active in their own 
spirits ; and are thereby not only in danger of losing their gifts, 
and falling into a bewildered state, but often hurt the service, and 
take off the savour of many of our most favoured solemnities. 
This was affectingly the case at this time, by the addition of a 
long, but very lifeless testimony: and although delivered in 

12 



92 JOURNAL OF 

forenoon, and one at Germantown in the afternoon, in both of 
which I laboured in the ability received. The first was a very 
searching season ; things were laid open in such a manner, that 
the dead, in some instances, seemed to be raised, and that power 
felt, which opened the graves formerly ; and some of those, 
who were settled down in their polluted rests, had their heavens 
shaken, and their rocks made to melt, by the fervent heat of 
the divine word, which Was as a fire and a hammer. Truth 
prevailed, and was eminently in dominion over all. 

On fourth and fifth days, we attended the quarterly meeting of 
Abington ; in which I was exercised in a line of close fervent 
labour, both in the meeting for Ministers and Elders, and the 
quarterly meeting at large. It was a season which gave hope 
of some improvement in many, but others appeared too much in 
a state of self -sufficiency, a most deplorable condition, sickly 
and wounded, and which refuses to be healed. For these, my 
mind felt pained. O, that they might, ere the day of their 
visitation pass over, witness their eyes anointed with the eye- 
salve of the gospel, that so they might be brought to see the pre- 
cipice on which they stand, and be thereby reduced into the 
valley of humiliation ; where alone true honour and right exalta- 
tion are known, and where they might experience a being 
washed from all their pollutions, and healed of all their wounds. 

We attended a meeting at Byberry on sixth day, and, through 
the Lord's presiding presence, it proved a day of signal favour. 
The doctrines of full and complete redemption from sin and death 
were clearly opened, and truth exalted over all the dark tenets, 
and carnal reasonings of men, which lead to unbelief and 
infidelity. 

On seventh day we returned to Abington, where we had 
another large favoured meeting, wherein many things were 
opened in a plain way, tending to gather the minds of the people 
out of the spirit of the world, which lends to strife and contention, 
from whence party animosities arise, often a prelude to war ; and 
calling their attention home to the great gospel privilege, the 
holy unction and anointing within : so that they need not that 
any man teach theni : but as the same anointing teacheth . 



EL I AS HICKS. 93 

which, as they come to believe in and obey, would qualify them 
to judge of all ministry, and from whence it had its rise and 
spring ; and thereby be delivered from all false glosses and mix- 
tures in religion, and become established in that which never fell, 
the immoveable rock Christ Jesus, against which the gates of hell 
will never lie able to prevail. 

On first day, the 10th of 5th month, we attended Horsham 
meeting, and in the afternoon, the meeting at North Wales. It 
was a day of high favour, the Lord's arm was graciously made 
bare for our help ; and the meetings were very large, many not 
of our society attended. The gospel was freely preached among 
them, in the clear demonstration of the spirit. They were truly 
humbling seasons, especially the former, wherein a great number 
were much contrited, and wept freely. The rocks seemed to 
melt at the presence of the mighty God of Jacob, whose power 
was prevalently witnessed in that large assembly, to the praise 
and exaltation of his great and glorious name. 

We attended the meeting at Plymouth on second day. Al- 
though there was an evident want, affectingly manifest, of that 
primitive zeal and integrity winch distinguished our worthy 
predecessors, with too man}" of those, who fill up their places in 
outward profession ; yet it was comforting to find, that the Shep- 
herd of Israel was still graciously pleased to continue his merci- 
ful visitations, and renew his gracious calls to these, to return, 
and renew covenant with him. This was the substance of this 
day's testimony and labour ;' may the Master of assemblies make 
it effectual, to all that were present of this description, is my 
sincere prayer. On third day we were at Providence meeting, 
which was small ; nevertheless, through gracious regard, it 
proved an edifying, heart-tendering season. The states of the 
people were opened and spoken to, in the authority of truth, to 
their great humiliation : many hearts were much broken and 
reduced, and the Lord's power exalted over all. 

After this meeting, my mind was tinned towards the quarterly 
meeting of Cain, to be held this time at Sadsbury, a newly estab- 
lished quarterly meeting, hi the county of Chester. Finding it 
necessary to comply with the motion, believing my peace con- 



94 JOURNAL OP 

sisted in it, we set out immediately after dinner, having thirty 
miles, or upwards, to ride to it. The journey proved very wea- 
risome to my infirm body, being much troubled at this time 
with a painful complaint, with which I Avas greatly afflicted dur- 
ing the time of this quarterly meeting, especially in the forepart of 
the public meeting, preceding the meeting for discipline. I was 
ready to conclude that I should be obliged to leave the meeting, 
my distress of body was so great ; but feeling my mind drawn to 
the people, there being a large congregation present, I continued, 
and way opening, I was enlarged in clear, pertinent doctrine. 
Truth rose into dominion, in an eminent manner, and ran over 
all as oil, comforting and breaking many hearts, and reducing, 
and silencing every opposite spirit. A very precious solemnity 
was spread over the meeting, rejoicing the upright in heart, 
relieving to my own mind, and alleviating my bodily affliction. 
These are high favours; may an humbling and grateful sense 
thereof rest continually upon thee, O my soul, and mayest thou 
never forget how much thou owest to thy Lord, how deep and 
solemn are thy obligations to the God of thy salvation ; how 
hath he often taken thee out of the horrible pit, and out of the 
miry clay, and set thee upon a rock, and put a new song into 
thy mouth, even praises, high praises to him. 

From this meeting Ave returned to Cain, and attended their 
monthly meeting, held the sixth of the Aveek. I Avas enabled to 
labour among them in much plainness, both in the meeting for 
worship, and for discipline ; and left them with a peaceful mind. 
The three folloAving days Ave attended meetings at Robinson. 
Exeter, and Reading. The number of members which consti- 
tuted these meetings was small, but a considerable number of 
the neighbouring inhabitants atlendcd. Ability was graciously 
afforded to preach the gospel freely in each, and the power 
attending broke and tendered many hearts, and an excellent 
savour and solemnity was felt to spread over the meetings, in an 
eminent manner ; for which I was made humbly thankful to the 
bountiful Author of all our blessings. These favours were more 
than an adequate rewind for all my toil and exercise; although 
1 had been, for some days past, under the pressure of much bodily 



ELIAS HICKS. 95 

infirmity, accompanied with seasons of great uneasiness and pain; 
but the Lord's power was over all, and kept my mind in patience, 
and sweet peace from day to day ; blessed for ever, be his right 
worthy name. 

The fourth of the week, and the 20th of 5th month, we 
attended the meeting at Maiden Creek. The same afternoon, 
and the next day, we crossed the Blue Mountains to Roaring 
Creek ; and the day after, attended a meeting there. Both of 
these meetings were crowned with the Lord's presence, and were 
edifying and instructive seasons. The morning following we 
rode to Catawissa, and attended their monthly meeting; and con- 
tinued there until after their first day meeting. I was enabled, 
through the Lord's good presence attending, to labour among 
them, both hi the meeting for discipline, and those for worship, 
in much plainness ; divers matters relative to the well-ordering 
of the affairs of truth were opened, which proved instructive 
and edifying. 

After the latter meeting, we passed on that afternoon fifteen 
miles to Berwick, crossing the river Susquehannah in our way. 
The day following, the 25th of 5th month, although my bodily 
indisposition still continued, we had a meeting there, among the 
town's people, and the few Friends of that place. It was a com- 
fortable season, edifying and strengthening to Friends ; and 
confirming to a number who were looking towards us with 
desires for further information. After this meeting, we rode 
to Fishing Creek, about eighteen miles : and the day following 
had a very satisfactory meeting at that place. Although in this 
journey, for a considerable time past, I have experienced much 
bodily infirmity ; yet the Lord, in his abundant mercy, hath been 
graciously pleased to keep my mind stayed upon him. My trust 
and confidence have not at any time failed, not even when I 
have been reduced into a state of great distress and suffering ; 
and my poor soul plunged into the mighty abyss of surrounding 
darkness, and sunk, as it were, to the bottom of the mountains : 
for as I patiently abode under those trying baptisms, and was 
made willing to endure my portion thereof, my spirit was raised 
out of this horrible pit ; wherein I had been a partaker with the 



96 JOURNAL OF 

suffering seed in the hearts of those, who, through supineness 3 
ease, forgetfulness, unbelief and a worldly spirit, had become 
like a bottomless abyss of corruption, darkness and errour : and 
I was enabled, through a real feeling of their deplorable states, 
to administer to their several wants, and open to them their con- 
dition. Many were reached in heart, and convinced of the errour 
of their ways, and were led to give God the glory of his own 
work. And, O, saith my soul, may all those who are sent out 
on this solemn embassy and most important service, dwell low 
in their minds, and keep a single eye to the Lord's honour, that 
so self may be thoroughly abased : otherwise, there is great dan- 
ger, in those trying and most afflictive dispensations, of the mind 
getting into a state of impatiencej and therein be led to judge the 
people of hardness, and a spirit of opposition. This will not fail, 
if given way to, of centering the minds of such, either into a state 
of silent sadness and discouragement, that, like the disciples 
formerly, they will be for sending the people away fasting, and 
empty ; or else raise in them a hot fiery zeal, in which they will 
throw out some hard censures, or harsh reproof, untempered with 
that charity, requisite and necessary always to attend every 
gospel communication : for want of which, both speaker and 
hearers will be wounded, much hurt done, and many opportu- 
nities, I believe, have been entirely lost by these means, which 
might have been crowned with the Lord's presence, and his truth 
exalted. Nay I have no doubt, but some meetings have been 
held to the dishonour of truth, and wounding many tender 
minds. And I have sometimes been afraid, that some, who 
are rightly called, and sent on this greatest of errands, have so far 
missed their way, while under some of those excruciating bap- 
tisms, which they have been led into, in order to qualify them 
rightly to administer to the states of the people, as to Staffer an 
impatient spirit to rise up ; and have thus brought a gloom of 
darkness over their minds, which has continued with them from 
day to day, greatly to their distress. Although they have con- 
tinued to attend meetings, they have been so shut up in total 
darkness, as riot to sec au\ way of relief, except in uttering their 
complaints, similar to the nmrnuirings of Israel in the wilder- 



ELIAS HICKS. 97 

ness. Where 1 have found such tilings left on record. I have 
thought they always tended to discouragement and dismay. 
when coming from the leaders of the people. Although the 
Lord was graciously pleased to condescend to the weakness of 
Israel, and deliver them out of the distress which their impa- 
tience had brought upon them ; yet he very clearly manifested 
his displeasure thereat. And if only one instance of impatience 
and improper zeal in Moses chew upon him such severe censure, 
as we read it did. how ought all those, who are now called forth 
as leaders of the people, to stand always on then guard against 
every motion of impatience, and impure zeal, lest they also fall 
under the displeasure of the Captain of then salvation. 

Although, after those gloomy dispensations, we may be again 
favoured, in renewed mercy, and helped out of this horrible pit, 
and witness the lifting up of the light of the Lord's glorious coun- 
tenance upon us : yet this is no proof of the rectitude of our 
conduct, any more than his showing mercy to Israel, after their 
murmurings, was a justification thereof. Yet I have been afraid, 
that some have considered those renewed favours, as a conse- 
quence of then own sufferings : which, to me. carries too much 
of selfishness, and savours of a desire of clothing ourselves with 
the Lord's jewels, instead of rendering to him, with heart-felt 
gratitude, the glory of all his works ; and receiving this act of 
unmerited redemption from the gloom, our own impatience, and 
the want of a thorough reduction of self, had cast us into, as 
flowing purely from his forbearing mercy, condescending^ good- 
ness and free love. 

After the aforesaid meeting, we rode to Muncy, and lodged 
with our khid friend William Ellis. The next day, the fourth 
of the week, and the 27th of 5th month, their meeting was held ; 
and notice being spread that we were there, it was large. Al- 
though I had to sit some time hi the forepart of the meeting, in 
much weakness and depression, both of body and mind ; yet as 
I abode in patience and resignation to my allotment, willing to be 
any thing, or nothing, and to do, or to suffer, according to the 
Master's will ; after a time of solemn waiting, a little opening 

presented, attended with some glimmering of light : and as my 

13 



98 JOURNAL OF 

eye was kept steadily to it, I felt a necessity to stand up ; and as 
I proceeded in guarded care, it opened to a large field of doctrine, 
suitably adapted, I believe, to the states of those present. A very 
comfortable solemnity was felt to spread over the meeting, re- 
joicing the hearts of the faithful. 

We rested for a day or two after this meeting, with our afore- 
said friend, in order to recruit, feeling myself very unwell with a 
cold, which had attended me for some time ; and being much 
worn down by constant travelling under such bodily infirmities. 
The 30th of the month, and seventh day of the week, we attended 
a meeting at a place called Pine Grove ; a small meeting of 
Friends being held there. On first day we had a large meeting, 
by appointment, at a town called Williamsport, which was held 
in their court-house ; but the room was not large enough to con- 
tain the people, and although very much crowded, and many 
standing, they behaved soberly, and a blessed meeting we had. 
I was led forth among them, in a large affecting testimony, 
wherein the truths of the gospel were clearly opened and explained 
to the weakest capacities, and the Lord's power was in dominion, 
in a very eminent manner. It was a season thankfully to be 
remembered, and greatly refreshing to my drooping spirit, making 
up every deficiency for the want of bodily health. I could with 
heart-felt gratitude cheerfully acknowledge, it was the Lord's 
doing. 

After this meeting we set forward on our journey towards 
Redstone, having meetings in our way, at Job Packers, Miles- 
burgh, Half-moon Valley, and Downing's Creek. Then we 
passed directly over the Alleghany mountains, into the compass 
of Redstone quarterly meeting. On fourth day, the 10th of 6th 
month, we attended a meeting at Sewickly, on the western side 
of the mountains, a branch of Redstone monthly meeting. After 
this, we were at Providence on fifth day, Center on sixth, and 
Fallowfield on seventh day. Although these were seasons of 
close exercise, accompanied with some painful labour, and deep 
baptisms, in suffering with the seed ; yet my mind was favoured 
in the openings of gospel light, so to discharge myself in those 
meetings, as to leave them with solid peace of mind. I believe 



ELIAS HICKS. 99 

they were seasons of renewed visitation to many who attended, 
that will not soon be forgotten by them. 

On first day we attended the meeting at Pike Run, and the 
two following days were at Westland, and Redstone meetings. 
My mind was under a very great pressure of distress, hi passing 
along through those six last mentioned meetings ; both from an 
inward sense, and an outward discovery, of great weakness pre- 
vailing among them ; occasioned by an unwarrantable credulity, 
and letting out their minds to listen to, and believe in, the vul- 
gar, and shamefully ridiculous notion of witchcraft: Some of 
their leading members openly acknowledged, they believed that a 
family of their near kindred, several of whom were troubled with 
a kind of periodical fits, were actually thus affected by one of 
their neighbours. My spirit was exceedingly grieved by their 
asserting their belief in those abominable reports, and by discover- 
ing how their minds were led away thereby ; and my grief was 
also much increased .by their confidence in a certain boy in the 
neighbourhood, who pretended to tell secrets, saying, that he could 
see persons whom any should inquire after, although in a very 
distant part of the world, and would tell those who came to see 
him, notwithstanding they lived on the other side of the Atlantic, 
that he could see the very place of their residence, and of what 
materials their houses were made, as if he was present at the place; 
and would pretend to tell the conditions and dispositions of per- 
sons, whom he had never before seen, and what they were guilty 
of, as to their private sins, and who was a witch, and who not ; and 
he had so far got the ascendency in the minds of those who had 
given wecy to the absurd notion of witchcraft, that whatever he 
said, in these respects, obtained their implicit belief. And if he 
impeached the most unblemished character of being a witch, or 
charged such with being guilty of any baneful sin, they were 
ready to believe it ; by which means great hurt was done. I 
was exceedingly burthened therewith, and had conversation with 
divers on the subject ; but they were so carried away with these 
notions, that reasoning seemed to have no weight with them. 
While any man or woman can give way to believe in such 
things, and go to dark, undisciplined, and irreligious men, to be 



100 JOURNAL OF 

healed of those infirmities, which they are told are the effect of 
witchcraft, it is certainly denying the God that made them, who 
only hath all power in heaven and in earth, and can wound and 
heal, kill and make alive at his pleasure. God forbid, saith my 
soul, that any, professing the name of a Friend, should ever thus 
desert the God of his salvation ; for if he doth, it will no doubt 
tend to his confusion, and in which state, he will be given over 
to strange delusions, even to believe a lie ; a most wretched state 
for any poor soul to be in. I was enabled, through condescend- 
ing goodness, to clear my mind among them, by divers large full 
testimonies to the truth, and the excellency of its power, to deliver 
from every thing that tends to hurt or defile. 

I left them with peace of mind, and proceeded to Connelstown, 
where we had a very comfortable heart-tendering season, among 
a few Friends, and the town's people. Next we attended Sandy 
Hill meeting ; and the day following were at Sandy Creek 
Glades> both comfortable seasons. These closed our visit to 
Redstone quarterly meeting. We then returned across the Alle- 
ghany mountains, with a view to attend the meetings belonging 
to Hopewell, in the compass of Fairfax Quarterly meeting. We 
reached Bear Garden particular meeting on first day, having 
rode diligently the day before, for that purpose ; not having 
much prospect thereof when we left Sandy Creek. The dis- 
tance between the two places was about ninety-two miles, and 
the way very mountainous, and having had but little more than 
a day and a half to ride it. This meeting, in the forepart, was 
heavy, but ended well ; and we left them with solid satisfaction, 
and passed on to Back Creek meeting that afternoon ; held near 
a small town, or village, called Penn's Town. Many of the 
neighbouring people came in, so that the meeting was pretty 
large, and I had considerable to communicate among them, but 
without obtaining much relief of mind. 

In the course of this week we attended meetings at the Ridge, 
Centre, Crooked Run, Mount Pleasant, Hopewell, and Lower 
Ridge ; and on the first and second days, of the following week, 
we were at Middle Creek, and Berkly meetings. These were, 
most of them, favoured seasons, particularly that at Middle 



ELIAS HICKS. 101 

Creek, wherein the Lord's presence was powerfully manifest. 
Truth rose into great dominion, preciously uniting and edifying 
the honest-hearted, and breaking down all opposition, affecting 
and mollifying the hearts of, almost, the whole assembly. It was 
indeed a precious solemnity, not soon to be forgotten, but to be 
held in grateful remembrance. 

After those meetings, we turned our faces homewards, attend- 
ing meetings in our way, at Little York, Columbia, Pottstown, 
and the Great Swamp, alias Richland ; these were through 
divine favour, instructive seasons. The next meeting was at 
Plumbstead, in the compass of Buck's quarterly meeting, which 
we attended on third day, the 7th of 7th month : and on the 
two following days, we were at Buckingham, and Wright's 
Town meetings. My mind, in those meetings, was brought 
under a close exercise, from a prospect of Friends being too much 
leavened into the spirit of the world, its customs and maxims ; 
by which, many appeared to be greatly wounded, and had be- 
come as dwarfs in our Israel. And I believe, nothing contributed 
more to this, than their becoming parties in the civil government, 
and taking offices therein ; for here, the spirit of contention gets 
in, and a striving to be uppermost, and fill the principal seats : 
then party animosities take place, from whence are derived envy 
and jealousy, one against another ; and then reviling, and 
neighbours speaking evil of each other ; hence wars and fight- 
ings arise, as from their natural ground. As any give way to 
these things, it leavens their minds into the spirit of the world, 
which is a spirit of darkness, that blinds the understanding and 
hardens the heart, and draws into many hurtful and pernicious 
practices, such as dealing in ardent spirits, drinking strong drink, 
and handing it out hi then fields to their workmen, to stimu- 
late them to an excess of labour ; hence an excess of drinking strong 
drink is gradually introduced among the poor labourers, by means 
of which many families are ruined. 

My spirit was deeply exercised on those accounts, but as I 
patiently endured the baptisms I had to go through, and submit- 
ted to communicate what appeared clearly to open ; I was en- 
larged in setting forth the dangerous and hurtful tendency of 



102 JOURNAL OF 

such conduct, and its great inconsistency with our holy profession, 
and to exhort Friends to a more frequent recurrence to the first 
principle of our profession, the light within ; whereby deliverance 
and preservation could only be experienced. The Lord was 
graciously with us in those meetings, and the faithful were en- 
couraged and edified, and many hearts greatly tendered, under 
a sense of the Lord's mercy and goodness extended to us in these 
seasons. 

On sixth day we attended a meeting at Makefield, and in the 
afternoon, had a large meeting at Newtown. It was held in 
their court-house, and mostly composed of those not professing 
with us. I felt in this meeting, the pressure and prevalence of a 
spirit of darkness and unbelief ; and was led to open the ground 
thereof, and to show its inconsistency with the self-evident expe- 
rience of every rational mind. For although men in the igno- 
rance and darkness of their own hearts, may strive to settle them- 
selves in unbelief, in order to live quietly in the gratification of 
their own* wills and creaturely appetites, without any controul ; 
yet, they never can fully come to this ; for that just witness, 
placed in every bosom as a reprover for sin, will continue to dis- 
turb all those false rests, and shake every heaven of man's 
making. For although men, through the hardness of their 
hearts, may not submit to the guidance of this just principle, so 
as to have a saving belief therein ; yet they will thereby be 
compelled into a belief, similar to that of the devils, and which 
they will never be able fully to divest themselves of by all their 
carnal reasonings and fleshly wisdom ; but it will continue, at 
times, to make them fear and tremble, and by its tremendous 
power will cause the very top of their Sinai to shake, and blast 
all their false hopes. For it is the determinate counsel of uner- 
ring wisdom, that the hope of the hypocrite shall perish : there- 
fore let all prize the day of their visitation, while the Lord is 
graciously striving with them, by the clear, self-evident touches 
of his light in their hearts ; in order that the wicked may turn 
from his wicked way, and the unrighteous from his unrighteous 
thoughts, and turn unto the Lord who will have mercy upon 
him, and unto our God, who will abundantly pardon. 



ELIAS HICKS. 103 

The meeting at Makefield was likewise a precious opportunity. 
The Lord being mightily with us in our passing along, from 
season to season, to our humbling admiration, furnishing with 
strength for every service ; so that we indeed found him to be 
strength in weakness, and riches in poverty. For I never felt 
greater weakness and nothingness, as to self, than in this jour- 
ney ; and could truly say, that our sufficiency was not of our- 
selves, but of God ; and that the Lord was our strength from 
day to day, who is over all, blessed for ever. 

The three following days we attended meetings at Middle- 
town, Bristol, and the Falls. I was led forth in these meetings to 
show wherein real Christianity consists ; and although the peo- 
ple of Christendom had the name of Christians, yet, so long as 
they lived in the gratification of their own wills and carnal lusts, 
from whence discord, animosities, envyings, strife and every evil 
work originated, they were only heathens in disguise. For 
true Christianity is nothing else than a real and complete mortifi- 
cation of our own wills, and a full and final annihilation of all 
self-exaltation : and the contrary is the true antichrist, that 
sitteth in the seat of God, who opposeth and exalteth himself 
above all that is called God, or that is worshipped. Therefore, 
none are any further Christians, than as they come to expe- 
rience the self-denial, meekness, humility and gentleness of 
Christ, ruling and reigning in them, so as to become their real 
life; and in, and by which, they become partakers of the divine 
nature, and know the life of God raised up in the immortal 
soul ; which is the new birth, or Christ formed in us, and 
without which, as our Lord told Nicodemus, no man can see the 
kingdom of God. 

After these meetings, we crossed the river Delaware into New 
Jersey, attending meetings on our way, at King wood, Hardwick, 
Mendham, and one near Paulingskiln. From thence we passed 
to Cornwall, in the state of New- York. We reached there 
seventh day evening, the 18th of 7th month, and the next day 
were at their first day meeting. I was much worn down by 
constant travelling and hard labour, and felt much fatigue when 
we came here ; and in going to this meeting, I felt a desire to 



104 JOURNAL OF 

rise in my mind, that I might have a good silent meeting. The 
prayer of my spirit was answered, for I had not sat long before a 
perfect, sweet calm ensued, wherein my whole man was swal- 
lowed up in divine seraphic enjoyment ; so that not only my 
mind, but also my wearied body forgot all its toil ; and my soul 
was so inflamed with gratitude, to the all-bountiful Author of all 
our rich mercies and blessings, that praises and thanksgiving 
ascended as incense from the altar of my heart to his great and 
glorious name, who remains to be God over all, blessed for ever, 
world without end. Amen. 

In the course of this week we attended meetings at Newburgh 
Valley, the Paltz, Marlborough, and on fifth day were at Corn- 
wall monthly meeting. The meeting for worship which pre- 
ceded the business, was large. I was led among them in a line of 
close searching labour, which, for some time, seemed to have but 
little entrance among them ; mankind being too generally dis- 
posed, while in a state of unsoundness, to shut themselves against 
that, which they know, if they are open to receive, would find out 
all their secret lurking places, where self-love and self-ivill lie 
shrouded under a mask of doing good, while it is gratified in 
the full enjoyment of all its beloveds, and with whom it is daily 
committing adultery and fornication: but as I continued to per- 
severe in faithfulness to the opening, although the prospect for a 
time seemed discouraging, truth began to make way by its own 
power, and gradually spread over the meeting, breaking down 
all opposition, and tendering and mollifying many hearts. The 
meeting for discipline appeared to be pretty well conducted, there 
being, I believe, a remnant honestly engaged for the promotion 
of the cause of truth ; and these the Lord delights to favour, and 
furnish with strength to carry on his own work of truth and 
righteousness in the earth ; and he will continue to reward these 
with the real enjoyment of his life-giving presence ; while those 
who sit as mere idle spectators, will be sent empty away. 

On sixth day we had an appointed meeting at the house of 
our friend Thomas Jones at Walkiln ; on seventh day, one at 
Goshen, and on first day, we were at Smith's Clove. All satis- 
factory seasons, especially the last, wherein truth was powerfully 



ELIAS HICKS. 105 

manifest, tendering the hearts of the people in a remarkable 
manner ; so that a very precious solemnity was Avitnessed to 
spread over the meeting. After these meetings we turned home 
wards, attending meetings in our way at Kakiat, Tappan and 
New- York. We reached home on fourth day evening, the 29th 
of 7th month. I found my family in usual health, which, to- 
gether with an endeared and cordial reception in the feelings 
of mutual love, and Sowings of that peace of mind attendant on 
a faithful discharge of manifested duty, filled my heart with 
thankful acknowledgments to the great and bountiful Author 
of every blessing. 

I was from home in this journey three months and eighteen 
days, and travelled about sixteen hundred and thirty miles. 



106 



JOURNAL OP 



CHAPTER V. 

Visit to Friends in Canada, and some of the northern parts of the yearly meet- 
ing of New- York, 1803. — Visit on Long Island, Staten Island, and New- York, 
1806. — Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners, and Stanford, and some adjacent 
parts, 1806. — Visit to Nine Partners, 1807. — Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners, 
and Stanford, 1808. — Visit to the subordinate meetings, 1808*. — Visit to Pur- 
chase, 1809. — Visits on Long Island, 1812 and 1813. — Visit to Purchase in 
1813. 

In the fall of the year 1803 ; I performed a visit to Friends of 
Upper Canada, and some other of the northwestern parts of our 
yearly meeting. Daniel Titus was my companion in this jour- 
ney. We left home the 20th of 9th month, and proceeded 
directly to Canada, in company with two other Eriends, who, 
with us, were appointed to attend the monthly meeting of Adol- 
phustown on a particular concern relative to that meeting. We 
were at but three meetings in our way thither, two at Hudson 
on first day, and one at Black River. We got well to Adol- 
phustown on third day evening, the 3d of 10th month, having 
rode about four hundred and ten miles, and crossed the great 
river St. Lawrence, which appeared to be a dangerous passage. 
We crossed its two branches, an island lying in the middle. 
Each branch was nearly five miles over. We passed the latter 
in the middle of the night, by the light of the moon, in two small 
flat-bottomed boats, one of them so small as to carry only one 
horse. . This latter passage lay open to Lake Ontario, and the 
wind being from that quarter, caused the swell frequently to 
wash into our boats, so that we had considerable labour to throw 
out the water as fast as it came in ; but my confidence was in 



ELIAS HICKS. 



ior 



Him, who hath the winds and the waves at his command. This 
kept out fear, and we got safe over about one o'clock in the 
morning. 

On fourth day we attended Friends' meeting at Adolphustown, 
as it came in course, which proved an instructive favoured sea- 
son. On fifth day we rode to Green Point, in the township of 
Sophiasburgh, to the house of our friend Daniel Way ; and had 
an appointed meeting there that afternoon, at the third hour. In 
this meeting I was favoured ; and by the prevalence of the power 
of truth, attending the communication, many minds were much 
bowed, and their hearts tendered by its secret mollifying influ- 
ence. Our next appointment was in the neighbourhood of our 
friend Robert Hubbs, on seventh day, composed mostly of people 
not of our society, which was a comfortable, edifying season. 
After this we proceeded to the township of Hallowell, to the 
house of our friend Thomas Boorman near West Lake ; and on 
first day attended Friends' meeting there. On second day, we 
had an opportunity with the people at the east end of the lake, 
which was held at the house of a professor among the Method- 
ists. These two last meetings were eminently favoured ; truth 
rose into dominion, and ran as oil over all opposition, to the 
instruction and comfort of many minds ; and the Lord was 
praised for his goodness, and for his merciful, loving kindness to 
the children of men. We returned that evening to the west end 
of said lake, to the house of our friend Jacob Cronk, and lodged. 

On third day the 11th of 10th month, we returned to the 
house of Cornelius Blount, where the meeting for Friends of 
West Lake was held. It was the time of their preparative meet- 
ing, and many of the neighbouring inhabitants came in, and 
sat with Friends, during the time of worship ; the forepart of 
which, was rather low and depressing ; but as patience was 
abode in, and right attention given to a small opening which 
presented, and as I moved therein with care, truth gradually rose 
into dominion, powerfully breaking down all that stood in its 
way. Many hearts were comforted and refreshed, and a general 
solemnity spread over the meeting, so that we could truly say, 
hitherto hath the Lord helped us. 



108 JOURNAL OP 

After the preparative meeting was over, which was held in an 
orderly manner, we returned that evening to the house of our 
friend John Borland, in Adolphustown, he having kindly ac- 
companied us since we left that place. On fourth day we 
attended the preparative meeting there. The meeting for wor- 
ship was large, many of those who were not members came in, 
and manifested great willingness to hear the truths of the gospel 
declared ; yet too many appeared careless and unconcerned, with 
regard to the practical part, so that in them was fulfilled the say- 
ing of the apostle : " For if any be a hearer of the word, and not 
a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a 
glass : for he beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straight- 
way forgetteth what manner of man he was." And this, it is 
to be feared, is too much the case with many amongst us, as a 
people, who are pleasing themselves with hearing the truth de- 
clared, and rejoice in the privilege of sitting under a free, living, 
gospel ministry, through the labour and exercise of the faithful ; 
but suffer the cumbering cares and pleasures of this life, so to 
divert them from a right improvement of their own gifts, that 
they, in a religious sense, may justly be compared to idle drones, 
who live on the labour of the industrious bee, and are contenting 
themselves in a situation like the foolish virgins, who, although 
they have lamps, yet, are without oil in their vessels ; but alas, 
what will these do, when the awful midnight cry is heard, " behold 
the bridegroom cometh ;" then fear and dismay, with an utter 
exclusion from the marriage chamber, will be the woful doom of 
all careless, and lifeless professors. O that all might lay these 
things to heart, and endeavour, in awful fear, to have their day's 
work done in the day time ; for behold the night cometh, wherein 
none can work. 

On sixth day we attended Friends' preparative meeting at 
Kingston; and on seventh day, we had a meeting in the town 
of Kingston, in the court-house, the first Friends' meeting ever 
held in that place. The people appeared much unacquainted 
wiih the order of our meetings, and some of the principal men 
seemed at a loss how to behave themselves in the time of silence ; 
but during the communication, they were generally quiet and 



ELIAS HICKS. 109 

solemn, and truth rose into victory, furnishing doctrine, clothed 
with divine power, and carrying conviction to the minds of most 
present. 

The next day, the first of the week, we again attended Friends' 
meeting held at the house of the widow Brewer ; they not having 
any meeting-house in this place. In the afternoon we had an 
appointed meeting in the west part of this township, on the bay, 
which was held at the house of John Everit, a man not in strict 
profession with any religious society. These were both seasons 
of heavenly refreshment ; the life ran as oil over all ; many 
hearts were much broken and contrited, under the precious mol- 
lifying influence thereof : praised and magnified for ever, be the 
name of the Lord, for his mercy and loving kindness to the 
children of men. 

The 17th we returned towards Adolphustown, and attended 
a meeting appointed at an inn on our way, in the town of Ear- 
nest. This also proved, through the condescending mercy and 
goodness of the Lord our gracious helper, a blessed season; and 
through the efficacious power attending the word preached, many 
hearts were pierced, and the whole assembly solemnized. We 
parted from each other with thankful hearts, and rode to Adol- 
phustown, and lodged with our friend Daniel Haight. The day 
following we had an appointed meeting at his house, for the 
neighbouring inhabitants, who were, many of them, professors 
among the Methodists. This, through divine goodness, was to 
me a season of great refreshment, and the assembly were gene- 
rally broken and contrited by the convicting power of divine 
love, which was mercifully vouchsafed to us at this season. 

We then proceeded again to our friend John Borland's, and 
rested the next day, as I was somewhat unwell, and considerably 
wearied by such constant travelling. 

On fifth day, the 20th of the month, we attended Friends' 
monthly meeting for the lower part of the Province of Upper 
Canada, held at Adolphustown. This closed our visit in these 
parts ; and we took leave of our friends in much brotherly 
affection ; their hearts were contrited, and their cheeks bedewed 
with tears, when we closed our farewell addresses. After this 



110 JOURNAL OP 

we rode directly to Kingston about thirty-five miles, and there took 
boat immediately, and crossed one branch of the river St. Law- 
rence that evening. We likewise crossed the island, which lies 
between, before dark, it being about five miles over ; but as the 
wind was unfavourable, we did not cross the other branch till 
next morning. We lodged in a small house, being the only one 
on that side of the island. Our accommodations were very poor, 
having to lie on the floor, and on benches ; but having the best 
of company, peace of mind, and a firm trust in the divine bless- 
ing, it kept us comfortable and pleasant. 

The next day, the 22d of the month, we crossed early in the 
morning, and rode that day, to our friend Samuel Brown's, at 
Black River. The day after, being the first of the week, we 
tarried there, and had two meetings with his family, and the 
neighbours ; divers of whom were sober religious Baptists. They 
were both favoured seasons ; may the Lord bless his own Work, 
and seal it to the lasting advantage of those who attended. 

The 24th and 25th, we rode eighty-five miles to Utica, on the 
upper part of the Mohawk river. The 26th, 27th and 28th, we 
rode about one hundred and eighteen miles to Palmyra, in On- 
tario county, to the house of our friend Abraham Lapham. The 
29th we rested. The 30th, being the first of the week, we 
attended Friends' meeting in that neighbourhood, and one in the 
evening, appointed at a man's house whose wife was a member, 
about six miles distant from the former. They were both, I be- 
lieve, profitable and edifying seasons. The 31st we attended a 
meeting in the town of Palmyra, appointed principally for those 
not of our society. It was a large solemn meeting, wherein the 
truths of the gospel were largely opened, affecting, solemnizing 
and comforting many hearts. 

On the 1st of the 11th month, we rode to Bristol about eigh- 
teen miles, and attended a meeting at the third hour in the 
afternoon. It was held in a Baptist meeting-house, and was a 
hard exercising season. Those who attended appeared to be 
mostly, very insensible of any right religious concern and exer- 
cise ; nevertheless, through ability received, after a considerable 
time of hard silent labour, the power of truth was exalted among 



ELIAS HICKS. Ill 

them, and some hearts were reached and tendered thereby, and I 
left them with peace of mind. 

We then rode back thirty-seven miles to Cayuga Lake, and 
lodged at an inn. On the 3d, we rode to a town called 
Scipio, where a few Friends resided, who were indulged with 
holding a meeting under the care of the monthly meeting of 
Farmington. Here we had a meeting at the eleventh hour, it 
being their usual meeting day. It was very small and low in 
the silent part, but as a right exercise in waiting, was patiently 
maintained, truth gradually rose into dominion, in a very instruc- 
tive manner, refreshing and comforting our minds, in the sweet 
enjoyment of the divine presence, who manifested himself to be 
graciously near for our help in the needful time. 

After dining with our friends we took leave, and turned our 
faces homeward ; and in four da5~s got to Galloway, to the house 
of our friend Philip Macomber. The next day we rested. The 
three following days we attended the meetings of Galloway, 
Ballstown, and Newtown ; which were all comfortable edifying 
seasons. The 12th we rode to Troy. The 13th, and first of the 
week, we attended two meetings, the first, at the eleventh hour, 
at the house of Zachariah Garnrick, about four miles from Troy, 
where the few Friends of that place and the adjacent neighbour- 
hood, hold a little meeting. It was enlarged at this time by 
others coining in, who were not of our society ; and the Lord 
rewarded us bountifully, and gave us a heavenly season together, 
wherein his name was gloriously exalted over all ; and we parted 
with thankful hearts. The latter meeting was held at Troy, 
in their court-house. It was a large gathering, but hard and 
heavy. 

The 14th we rode to Pittstown, and attended a meeting at the 
second hour, which was a satisfactory season, and, I hope, profit- 
able to some ; although others appeared to be too much at ease. 
The 15th we rode to Easton, and attended the quarterly meet- 
ing of Ministers and Elders ; and the two following days we 
attended the quarterly meeting for discipline, and the parting 
meeting for worship. The latter was a heavenly baptizing sea- 
son, wherein truth was raised into dominion in a very eminent 



112 JOURNAL OP 

manner, the hearts of many were much broken and contrited, and 
a general solemnity spread over the meeting ; and the Lord's name 
praised, and exalted over all, who is worthy for ever. 

After this, we rode that afternoon to Saratoga, crossing the 
river Hudson in our way ; and the next day went to South 
Greenfield, and attended a meeting at the second hour in the 
afternoon. The 19th we rode to Providence, and after a meet- 
ing there, went back again that afternoon to North Greenfield. 
The day following, being the first of the week, we attended a 
meeting there, which was large and favoured, as were the two 
former. The 21st, we had an appointed meeting at Saratoga 
Springs, amongst a people not very unlike those, whom the 
scribes, among the Jews, called publicans and sinners. It was a 
profitable edifying season, most of those present appearing to 
receive the word with readiness, and apparent good will ; so that 
it might have been said of some of them, as our Lord said con- 
cerning some of this description in his day, that they were more 
likely to enter the kingdom, than many of the high professors of 
religion, who make a great outward show of godliness, but are 
void of the power. 

The 23d and 24th, we attended the monthly meetings of Sara- 
toga and Easton ; and the day following had an appointed 
meeting at White Creek, and the next day we rode to East 
Hoosack. The 27th, and first of the week, we attended Friends' 
meeting there. It was a very comfortable season ; the Lord was 
with us, and by his power made way in the hearts of the people, 
for the reception of the testimony given us to bear among them. 
We left them with thankful hearts, and rode that evening to our 
friend David Lapham's, in the township of Hancock ; and the 
next day had a meeting at his house, at the second hour, for 
the neighbouring inhabitants, who were mostly professors among 
the Baptists, and who behaved very orderly ; and the Lord, in 
his never failing mercy, favoured us together with a solemn 
instructive season. 

The next day we passed on to New Britain, and rested the 
following day. The fifth of the week, and the 1st of 12th month, 
we Attended the meeting there, at its usual time; which was 



ELIAS HICKS. 113 

very large, occasioned, in part, by our being there ; and there 
was likewise a marriage accomplished thereat. I think, for the 
most part, it was a favoured, comfortable season. On sixth day 
we attended a meeting at Kline Kiln ; and on first day were at 
Hudson, where we had, with Friends and others, at their meet- 
ing, a refreshing opportunity; the Lord was graciously near, 
furnishing with strength and utterance, and an evidence of the 
divine power attending, rejoicing the faithful, confirming the 
weak and wavering, and convicting the indolent, the disobedient, 
and gainsayers. On second day we rode to Little Nine Part- 
ners ; and the four following days, we attended meetings at that 
place, Pine Plains, Stanford, and Creek : these were comforta- 
ble meetings, wherein, through the prevalence of truth, many 
were convicted, their hearts tendered, and the faithful few en- 
couraged, and made to rejoice ; and the Lord's name praised and 
exalted over all. On seventh day evening we had an appointed 
meeting at the house of Thomas Wilbur, about four miles from 
the latter ; and although hard and low, yet I trust in a good 
degree profitable and instructive. 

On first day we went to Crum-elbow meeting, which was very 
much crowded, and the house not sufficient to hold the people. 
The season appeared somewhat to represent the time, when the 
miracle of the loaves and fishes was performed. For the peo- 
ple's attention appeared to be generally outward, many having 
come together out of curiosity, to see and hear with their out- 
ward senses ; which makes hard work for the travellers, who are 
faithfully engaged in Zion's cause. I sat long in silence in 
great poverty and want, for the people appeared to be void of any 
spiritual food, and no offering prepared ; but as I abode in 
patience, and in the. faith, the query ran through my mind, is 
there not a lad present, who may have a few bailey loaves and 
fishes. A young man soon after stood up, who, I believed, had 
for some time, something on his mind to offer ; and by a short 
but pertinent communication opened my way. Soon after he 
sat down I stood up, and the Lord made way among the people, 
while I was led to open, in a very enlarged manner, what the 
young Friend had dropped : and the Lord's power was extended 

15 



114 JOURNAL OF 

in a marvellous manner over the whole assembly, so that it might 
be said indeed, that all did eat and were filled, and many frag- 
ments remained to be gathered up. It was the Lord's doing, 
and marvellous in our e}^es. 

Our two next appointments were at Pleasant Yalley, and the 
Branch, on second and third days. These were comfortable, 
and I trust, profitable seasons. The four successive days we 
attended the monthly meetings of Oswego, Nine Partners, Creek, 
and Stanford. They were all seasons of great favour, wherein 
I was largely opened in the line of gospel ministry, in four 
several searching testimonies, greatly to the comfort of the honest 
faithful travellers, and to the rebuke and warning of the careless, 
hypocritical, and worldly-minded professors. On first day we 
attended the meeting at Nine Partners, and notice having been 
previously given of our intention of being there, the meeting was 
very large ; and the Lord's power was present with us, enabling 
me to discharge myself faithfully among them, and instructingly 
to divide the word, suited to their several conditions. The season 
concluded with prayer and thanksgiving, to his great and adora- 
ble name, who is over all, God blessed for ever. 

After this, apprehending I felt liberty to turn my face home- 
ward, and having for the two successive days meetings, appointed 
at Chesnut Ridge, and Poquague, we proceeded accordingly. 
Although I was under considerable infirmity of body, and tra- 
velled in much pain, yet through gracious aid, furnished from 
the adorable fountain of all wisdom and strength, I was enabled 
to attend them to my own satisfaction, and the comfort and 
encouragement of my friends. I was led forth in both of these 
meetings in large affecting testimonies ; the minds of many 
present were baptized and humbled, and the faithful few refresh- 
ed, whom the Lord delights to honour. 

On fourth day we crossed the Highlands, and rode down to 
the mouth of Oroton River, about forty-two miles. It was wea- 
risome to my afflicted body, but believing it right for us so to 
proceed, and having faith in the divine sufficiency, I was sus- 
tained even beyond rational expectation. The day following 
being friends' meeting day in thai place, we had a. comfortable 



ELIAS HICKS. 115 

opportunity with them, together with some of their neighbours ; 
and it was, I believe, an instructive edifying season to many. 
May it fasten as a nail in a sure place. 

After this we passed on to New- York, where we tarried over 
first day, and attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings ; 
also an appointed meeting in the evening, at their new meeting- 
house. They were large and very exercising, yet, I trust, in the 
main, profitable meetings. On second day the 26th of 12th month . 
we rode home, and I found my family well, which, together 
with the Lord's mercies and preservations, vouchsafed to me in 
this arduous journey, caused my heart to be filled with gratitude 
and thanksgiving to His great and worthy name, to whom be- 
longs all praise, adoration and worship, from the rising of the 
sun to the going down of the same, throughout all ages, world 
without end. Amen. 

I was out in this journey about three months, and rode about 
fifteen hundred and seventy-five miles. 

In the spring of the year 1806, feeling my mind drawn in 
gospel love, to pay a religious visit to some of the neighbouring 
towns and villages on our island, Staten Island and New- York, 
among those not in profession with us ; and opening my concern 
to our monthly meeting, I received, the concurrence and unity 
of my friends therein. I was from home in this service about 
twenty days, and had about thirty meetings among those not of 
our society, generally to good satisfaction, and to the peace of my 
own mind. Many, in most places, appeared convinced of the 
truth and propriety of our doctrine and principles, as they were 
communicated, and divers feelingly expressed their satisfaction 
therewith, and the heart-felt comfort they witnessed in those 
opportunities ; and I had cause to hope that light was breaking 
forth in some places, which had long been under the power of 
great darkness, through the undue force of wrong customs, and 
a false education, principally propagated by a mercenary, anti- 
christian ministry. My mind was often affected, in considering 
the emptiness and fruitless state of many of those professors 
under different names, who had a form of godliness, and were 
very zealous in attending to the outside ceremonials, of what 



I 16 JOURNAL OF 

they called religion and worship ; but in their lives and conduct 
denied the power thereof, being persuaded by their blind guides, 
to believe they might be saints, while they were sinners, and 
stand in a state of justification, without sanctification. But this 
is a false and very dangerous doctrine. O, saith my spirit, may 
the light of Israel arise and come forth, and by the brightness of 
its arising, dispel all those mists and fogs, those works of dark- 
ness, which those blind guides have raised up between God and 
the souls of the people ; and deliver the nations out of the hands 
of all oppressors, that so none, at the awful closing period, may 
witness verified in themselves, that solemn truth, that " if the 
blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." 

In the fall of the year 1806, feeling my mind drawn to visit 
some parts of the quarterly meetings of Purchase, Nine Partners, 
and Stanford, with some adjacent places, not among Friends, 
and obtaining the unity and concurrence of our monthly meeting 
therein, I set forward the 8th of 12th month ; Thomas Willis 
kindly joining me as a companion in this journey. On third 
day we attended the meeting for sufferings in New- York, and in 
the evening we had an appointed meeting at Brooklyn, which 
was a solemn, comfortable season. Fourth day, being the day 
on which Friends' meeting was held in the city, notice was 
given of our intention of being there. It was a pretty large meet- 
ing, and in a good degree favoured with the spreading of the 
divine canopy, and strength was afforded to communicate to the 
various situations of those present ; to the honest-hearted and 
truly exercised travellers, comfort and encouragement, and of 
this number, I trust, there are a few preserved in this city of great 
stir and commotion ; and to the careless, the unguarded and 
refractory, caution and rebuke. 

After this we passed on to Mamaroneck, and lodged with our 
kind friend Richard Mott. The three following days of this week, 
we attended the monthly meetings of Purchase, Shapaqua and 
Amawalk. We stayed over their first day meeting at Amawalk, 
which was large, many of other societies coming in ; and had 
an appointed meeting in the evening at Peekskill. These were 
all seasons of favour, comforting and refreshing to my mind. 



ELI AS HICKS. 117 

On second day, the 15th of the month, we proceeded on our 
journey, and reached, seasonably in the evening, the house of our 
kind friend Enoch Dorland, at or near Oswego. On third day 
we rode to Nine Partners. On fourth day we attended the 
monthly meeting of Oswego ; both the meeting for worship, and 
that for discipline, were well conducted, and truth reigned ; which 
made them comfortable and instructive. On fifth, sixth and 
seventh days, we attended the monthly meetings of Nine Part- 
ners, Creek, and Stanford. Nothing transpired in either of these 
unusual. We attended Friends' meeting at Northeast, on first 
day, and also a meeting in the evening at Little Nine Partners ; 
both seasons of favour. On second day we rode to Hudson, and 
the next day attended their monthly meeting, and likewise had 
a large public meeting in the evening with Friends and others. 
I have cause to acknowledge the goodness and mercy of the 
Shepherd of Israel, who has been pleased graciously to mani- 
fest his presence and power for our help and encouragement, 
from season to season, enabling us to labour, to the comfort and 
refreshment of the honest-hearted and faithful among the^ breth- 
ren and sisters, and to impart counsel and caution to the varied 
states of those amongst whom our lots were cast, and stirring up 
the pure mind in many. So that in many places it appeared to 
be a renewed visitation of divine loye to the people, for which 
many hearts with our own were made thankful. 

On fourth and fifth days we had meetings with Friends at 
Kline Kiln, and New Britain ; and on sixth day we had an op- 
portunity with those not in profession with us, at a place called 
Philipstown. The meeting was held in a meeting-house be- 
longing to the Presbyterians, and a precious season it proved, 
tendering the hearts of most present ; truth prevailing over all, 
to the praise and glory of His grace, who hath called us to labour 
in his vineyard. 

We went from this place to Troy and attended Friends' meet- 
ing on first day ; and had a large public meeting in the evening 
with the inhabitants of the town. On second and third day 
evenings, we had meetings in the towns of Waterford and Lan- 
singburgh ; the former was held in a meeting-house belonging 



118 



JOURNAL OF 



to the Methodist society ; and the latter, by their voluntary per- 
mission, in the Episcopal meeting-house. These were all seasons 
of favour, especially the last, in which truth was powerfully 
manifest, solemnizing the assembly, tendering and melting many 
hearts into contrition, and raising an acknowledgment to its 
divine power. 

On fourth day we attended Friends' preparative meeting at 
Troy, and also an appointed meeting for the inhabitants of the 
town in the evening. The next morning previous to our leaving 
there, we had a precious opportunity with three or four families 
of Friends, the heads of which were all brethren and sisters of 
each other, by blood, or marriage. It was a season wherein the 
Lord was pleased to magnify his power, and cause every heart 
to bow and acknowledge to its blessed and mollifying influence, 
which prevailed over all to our mutual rejoicing. 

The visit being over we took leave of our friends, and rode 
that afternoon to Albany, and attended a pretty large meeting, 
held that evening in their court- house. It was, I believe, to 
many, a profitable edifying season. On sixth day morning 
feeling my mind drawn to have a select opportunity, with the 
few members of our society resident in this city, they were noti- 
fied thereof, and came together early in the forenoon. We had a 
satisfactory season with them, in which I was favoured to clear 
myself of a burden I felt on their account, in a plain tender man- 
ner, comforting the sincere-hearted, and stirring up the careless 
and lukewarm. After this we took our leave in brotherly affec- 
tion, with quiet and peaceful minds, and with an evidence of 
having faithfully discharged our duty, which made our journey- 
ing forward pleasant, as we passed on to Duanesburgh, where 
we arrived that evening. On seventh day we rested. On first 
day the 4th of 1st month, 1807, we attended the meeting there, 
and notice being given of our attendance, it was a very large 
meeting, wherein truth reigned. Many doctrinal truths were 
opened to the people, and the gospel preached in the clear demon- 
stration of the spirit ; to the Lord only wise, gracious and merci- 
ful, he the praise, who is the blessed author thereof; nothing due 
to man. 



ELIAS HICKS. 119 

The next day we had a meeting in our way to Otego, near 
a village called Charlestown, at the house of a man inclining to 
Friends, in which I was enabled to communicate, in gospel 
authority, to the tendering and contriting of many hearts. 

We reached Otego on fourth day, a little before meeting time, 
it being Friends' usual meeting day, which, therefore, afforded 
but little opportunity of notifying their neighbours ; but some 
hearing thereof, attended. It was a glorious meeting, which 
richly paid us for all our toil in getting there, yea an hundred 
fold ; magnified for ever be the name of the Lord, who graciously 
manifested his power for our help, comforting many hearts, and 
causing the faithful to rejoice together, in the sweet incomes of 
his love and life. On fifth day, we attended Friends' meeting 
held at Burlington in the middle of the week. The neighbour- 
ing inhabitants having notice of our coming, generally attended, 
and although the life did not appear to rise so high as in the 
foregoing meeting, yet, for the most part, I believe, it was a 
profitable edifying season. We rode to Deruyter on sixth day, 
and on seventh day rested, and mended our carriage, which was 
much injured and broken by our journey to this place. On 
first day, we attended Friends' meeting there, which was much 
crowded, the house being but small. The Lord was with us, 
and magnified his power, reaching and tendering many hearts ; 
the gospel was freely preached, and appeared to be freely received 
by the auditory in general. 

On second day, we had a meeting at a town called Woodstock, 
at the eleventh hour, and one in the evening at Cazenovia. 
There were no Friends riving in either of these places, and the 
people in general appeared dark and ignorant, yet, they were 
attentive to what was communicated ; and many of them appeared 
thankful for the opportunities, and desired our longer continuance 
among them ; but we took our leave, and left them with our 
minds clothed with peace. We then turned our faces home- 
ward, being desirous of getting back in time to attend the ensu- 
ing quarterly meeting of Nine Partners, to be held in the forepart 
of 2d month. We felt our minds drawn to return by Burlington, 
and had meetings in our way there, at Hamilton, Brookfield, 



120 JOURNAL OF 

Bridgewater, and one in the evening between Bridgewater and 
Burlington, held in a school-house, at a village in the township 
of Brookneld. These were all favoured meetings, comfortable 
and instructive, many hearts were reached and affected with the 
power of truth, which was prevalently manifest for our help. 

We were at Burlington on first day, and notice being generally 
spread that we were there, it proved the largest meeting ever 
held in that place ; and through the Lord's goodness and mercy 
to us, it was made a season gratefully to be remembered, by, I 
believe, the greater part of the meeting. 

This being over, we had another meeting in the evening, in a 
neighbouring town called Pittsfield, which was held in a large 
school-house, there being no member of our society there ; this 
was likewise an edifying opportunity. The next day we pro- 
ceeded to Otego, and attended a meeting there at the eleventh 
hour, appointed previously by our request. It was a large meet- 
ing, and graciously favoured with the overshadowing wing of 
divine kindness. On third day we had an appointed meeting in 
the township of Heartwick. 

From this place we returned to Duanesburgh, and attended 
their monthly meeting held on sixth day. This meeting was com- 
posed of the preparative meetings of Duanesburgh, Otego, Bur- 
lington, and Deruyter. The latter meeting was near ninety miles 
from the place where the monthly meeting was held at this time. 
Friends are much scattered in this new country, by reason of 
which, but few, in some meetings, have much opportunity of 
attending their monthly meetings ; this is a great loss to many 
families, especially the children, many of whom are thus de- 
prived of the improving company of experienced Friends in 
meetings for discipline or otherwise. I have often thought it a 
very weighty matter for a Friend to move with a family of chil- 
dren so far from meetings, and especially meetings for disci- 
pline, which, I have often considered as schools of very profit a- 
ble instruction to well-minded youth. This is a new monthly 
meeting, made up of Friends of but small experience, many. of 
them newly received members. The business of the meeting 
was of course but weakly conducted. We laboured among them 



ELIAS HICKS. 121 

in the ability received, for their instruction and help, and there 
appeared a readiness in some to receive, who, I trust, will be- 
come useful members, as they abide in humility, and are faith- 
ful to the measure of grace received. On seventh day we rode 
to Oakhill, and on first day attended Friends' meeting there ; it 
was a very full meeting, and proved satisfactory and instructive. 

The four following days we were at meetings at Scott's Patent, 
Bern, Rensselaerville, one in a Friend's house between the last 
mentioned place and Coeman's Patent, and one at Coeman's 
Patent. They were seasons of general satisfaction, especially the 
last, which was a very large precious meeting, in which the truths 
of the gospel were largely declared, in the demonstration of the 
spirit. Many hearts were tendered and contrited, and the 
Lord's name praised and magnified, who is over all, worthy for 
ever. 

The sixth, we rode to Hudson, and passed most of the way 
upon the ice, on the river, the weather having been, for some 
days past, extremely cold. On seventh day evening we had an 
appointed meeting at Lunenburgh, which lies on the west side of 
the river Hudson, and opposite to that city. On first day we 
attended Friends' meeting at Hudson. Both these meetings were 
held, I believe, to general satisfaction, and I trust, were profitable 
and instructive to many who attended. 

From hence we passed on -to Nine Partners, and reached there 
seasonably to meet with the committee who have -the oversight 
of the boarding-school, held there by the direction of our yearly 
meeting, we being members of that committee. By the accounts 
now rendered, the school appears in a prosperous state ; but a 
considerable difficulty attends procuring suitable tutors and care- 
takers in the family. On third day, the select quarterly meet- 
ing of this place was held, and on fourth day, that for disci- 
pline ; and although there was a degree of favour experienced, 
yet, in general, it was a trying exercising season. This is a 
large quarterly meeting ; and many who attend are mere birth- 
right members, and having never known the baptizing power 
of truth, to sanctify and prepare for right and useful member- 
ship, are but as dead weights in our religious meetings : and some 

16 



122 JOURNAL OF 

others, who have joined the society by convincement, for want of 
faithfully attending to that which first convinced them, have lost 
their first love, and suffered their minds too much to centre back 
again into the world, and the love of it; and have thereby 
become stumbling blocks in the way of others. These bring 
much exercise and concern to the living, who are daily engaged 
for Zion's cause, and that truth may prosper and prevail in the 
earth. 

On fifth day, we had an appointed meeting at Pleasant Valley, 
which was a comfortable instructive season ; and another seasonable 
opportunity in the evening at Poughkeepsie, composed mostly of 
those not in membership with us. On sixth day, we were at West 
Branch meeting, which was pretty full, wherein I had to go 
down into deep baptism with the dead, being plunged into the 
feeling of a state of great ignorance and unbelief ; but as I 
patiently sat under the burden, light sprang up, and life came 
into dominion ; and I was led, in a clear manner, to show the 
ground from whence all this darkness and unbelief proceeded ; 
that it was from a want of due attention to, and right belief in, 
the inward manifestation of divine light, which reveals itself 
in the heart of man against sin and uncleanness ; and at the 
same time shows what is right, and justifies for right doing. 
Therefore while men disregard this inward divine principle, of 
grace and truth, and do not believe in it, as essential and suffi- 
cient to salvation; they are in danger of becoming either Athe- 
ists, or Deists — these are also in danger of becoming so blinded 
as not to believe in that necessary and very essential doctrine of 
perfection, as contained in that clear, rational, and positive injunc- 
tion of our dear Lord: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your 
Father which is in heaven is perfect." And we cannot rationally 
suppose they can ever be otherwise, while they continue in (his 
situation ; as nothing but this light is sufficient to produce the 
knowledge, on which this belief is founded. My mind was like- 
wise largely opened to communicate, how we all might, by faith- 
ful attention and adherence to the aforesaid divine principle, the 
light within, come to know and believe the certainty of those 
excellent scripture doctrines; of the coming, life, righteous works, 



ELIAS HICJS3. 123 

sufferings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our blessed 
pattern : and that it is by obedience to this inward light only, 
that we are prepared for an admittance into the heavenly king- 
dom. It was a day of high favour, wherein the Lord's arm was 
made bare for our help, and the exaltation of his own glorious 
and holy name, who is over all, blessed for ever. 

This favoured opportunity being over, we rode that afternoon 
to Samuel Dorland's, and attended a meeting there appointed for 
us that evening ; and lodged with our worthy friend Enoch 
Borland. On seventh day we crossed the mountains called the 
Highlands, in our way homeward, and got well to our friend 
Abraham Underbill's, at Croton River, that evening. The next 
day, being the first of the week, we attended Friends' meeting 
there, and notice being given of our attendance, the meeting was 
pretty full, and graciously attended with the divine presence, in 
which strength was received to preach the gospel in the demon- 
stration of the spirit. It was a season thankfully to be re- 
membered. 

On second day, the 9th of 2d month, 1807, we rode to New- 
York, where I was gladly received by my beloved daughter 
Abigail, and her kind companion ; we being mutually glad to 
see each other. The next day we attended our meeting for 
sufferings. I then rode home, that evening, and found my dear 
wife and children well, to our mutual rejoicing ; and we greeted 
each other with thankful hearts. 

I was from home in this journey about two months, and 
attended forty-five particular meetings, nine monthly meetings, 
one quarterly, and our meeting for sufferings twice ; and travel- 
led upwards of seven hundred miles. 

After returning from the aforesaid journey, I continued mostly 
at and about home, for several months, attending our several 
meetings as they came in course ; and also at different times, 
some appointed meetings among those not in profession with us, 
in some adjacent neighbourhoods, to which I could go and return 
in a few days. In all these seasons, I have thankfully to 
acknowledge the Lord was near, and graciously manifested him- 
self to be a present helper in every needful time, furnishing with 



124 JOURNAL OP 

ability to labour in the work of the gospel, convincing, and com- 
forting many hearts ; and to the solid relief and peace of my 
own mind. 

In the ensuing fall, having felt my mind renewedly engaged 
in gospel love to visit a few of the meetings of Friends, in the 
three lower quarterly meetings belonging to our yearly meeting ; 
and to have some meetings in divers places in those parts, among 
those of other professions, I left home, with the unity of my 
friends, the 31st of 10th month, 1807, and the seventh day of 
the week, and went to New- York, having my beloved wife with 
me ; who proposed to be .my companion in part of this journey. 
We also took our two youngest daughters with us, in order to 
place them in the boarding-school at Nine Partners. We 
remained in New- York over first day, and attended Friends' 
meetings there ; that at Pearl-street in the morning, and at 
Liberty-street in the afternoon. They were both, I trust, profita- 
ble meetings, more especially the former ; in which truth pre- 
vailed, and came into dominion, solemnizing and comforting 
many hearts ; and was very strengthening to my mind, in the 
prospect before me. 

On second day we set out for Nine Partners, and reached 
there seasonably to attend the quarterly meeting for discipline, the 
ensuing fourth day ; and the latter part of the week, we spent in 
attending the quarterly meeting of Stanford. After this we 
returned to the boarding-school and placed our daughters there ; 
and, as I was one of the committee, who have the superintendence 
of the institution, I remained there about ten days. Then way 
opening to proceed, I went as far as tfaitford in Connecticut ; 
accompanied by two Friends who reside at Nine Partners. As 
the weather was cold and unsettled, my wife remained at the 
school, assisting the managers, until I returned. We had seve- 
ral meetings in our way thither, and one as we returned; and 
were at several in and about Hartford, mostly among those of 
other professions. And the Lord, magnified for ever be his right 
worthy name, was graciously pleased (<> be with us. and mani- 
fested his power for our help: giving wisdom and strength, 
tongue and utterance, and teaching to divide the word aright, 



ELIAS HICKS. 125 

to the states of the people ; whereby his righteous cause was ex- 
alted in many minds, and his glorious holy truth raised into 
dominion over all, in divers of those favoured opportunities ; to 
the praise of his grace. " who is over all. God blessed for ever/' 

On my return to the school. I again spent some days with the 
family, assisting them in the management thereof : and then, my 
wife and myself took leave of our children and friends, in much 
mutual affection : and turned our faces homeward. "We attended 
Oswego monthly meeting in our way, on fourth day, the 16th 
of 12th month ; and the next day had an appointed meeting at 
Apoquague. On sixth day we rode through the mountains to 
Peekskill, and lodged with our kind friend Nathaniel Brown. 
We attended their meeting- on first day, and on second day, we 
had an appointed meeting at a place called Crompond : which 
was held in a meeting-house belonging to the Presbyterians, by 
their proposal. On fourth day we were at Amawalk, on fifth 
day at Shapaqua, and on sixth day we had an appointed 
meeting at Mount Pleasant : this was likewise held in a place 
of worship belonging to the Presbyterians. We rode to New- 
York on seventh day, and on first day attended Friends' meet- 
ing there. The third day following we left the city on our way 
home, but a storm came on soon after we left, and increased, to 
that degree, that when we came to the ferry at Hurlgate, where 
we intended to cross, we found it impassable. We then turned 
our course and rode to our friend Joseph Bvrd's at Harlem, and 
lodged. I felt my mind drawn towards having a meeting at 
that place when passing down to the city, but admitting some 
doubts to arise, as to the clearness of the prospect, I omitted it ; 
but now, way opening with more clearness, we had one appointed 
the next day. which proved a favoured season. After this we 
crossed the ferry that afternoon, and rode to Flushing, and the 
next day being the fifth of the week, and 31st of 12th month, 
we attended Friends' meeting there : and then rode home that 
afternoon, and were gladly received by our friends. AEy spirit was 
made humbly joyful, iu believing that the Lord Almighty had 
graciously condescended to be with us, to lead us in the way, 
manifesting his loving kindness and mercy, in a greater or lesser 



126 JOURNAL OP 

degree, in all those opportunities, convicting, convincing, edify- 
ing and comforting many hearts ; and encouraging the honest 
travellers Zion-ward. May his right worthy name be praised 
and exalted above all for ever. 

As our return home at this time was hastened by the inclemency 
of the season, we being out with a carriage, and likely to be pre- 
vented from travelling by the snow, my mind was not relieved 
of the prospect before me. Therefore, after remaining at and 
about home a few weeks, I again set out, with the unity of my 
friends, in order to finish what w T as left behind of my former 
concern. Charles Willets a friend and neighbour accompanied me. 
We set out the 24th of 1st month, 1808, and attended the three 
quarterly meetings of Purchase, Nine Partners, and Stanford, as 
they came in course : and likewise five particular meetings in the 
intermediate space, between Purchase and Nine Partners. We 
were from home at this time about five weeks ; and attended three 
quarterly meetings, one monthly, and twenty-three particular meet- 
ings. And I have abundant cause, with humble gratitude, to 
admire the adorable loving kindness, and condescending goodness, 
of a gracious God to me a poor creature ; in enabling me to surren- 
der all up to his heavenly disposal, to be any thing or nothing, as he 
would have me to be ; leading me from place to place, as a weaned 
child, by the guiding of his power, and the influence of his precious 
love : and teaching me, not only how to suffer, want, but likewise, 
how to abound ; and in every situation and dispensation which 
he is pleased to lead into, to be therewith content. Under a re- 
newed sense whereof, my spirit is led to acknowledge, that "great 
and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty ; just and 
true are thy ways, thou King of saints." Even so. Amen. 

In the spring of the year 1808, our yearly meeting, from an 
exercise in observing the many deficiencies, brought up in the 
reports from the several quarterly meetings, issued an epistle, or 
minute of advice and caution, to its subordinate meetings. And 
In order to strengthen and enforce the same, and to make it the 
more effectual to promote a reformation, appointed a committee 
to attend therewith. And I, being one appointed with divers 
other brethren and sisters, willingly engaged therein ; as a con- 



•ELTAS HICKS. 127 

cern, of a similar nature, had for some time previous thereto 
attended my mind. 

Accordingly, at the close of the yearly meeting, we agreed to 
enter upon the service at the succeeding quarterly meeting at 
Nine Partners ; and to attend in succession the quarterly meet- 
ings of Stanford and Easton, as they came in course. Two 
men, and three women Friends, joined me in this northern tour ; 
and several others of the committee attended at the quarterly 
meetings. After those meetings, we proceeded to attend with the 
minute, all the monthly meetings constituting them ; except the 
three distant one?, of Aclolphnstown in Upper Canada, and Far- 
mington and Scipio, in the western part of the state of New- 
York : also a considerable number of the preparative meetings, 
as way opened therefor. Although great and many were the 
apparent deviations and departures of many of our members, in 
the varied classes of society, from that ancient simplicity and 
integrity, which marked the conduct of our worthy predecessors, 
in the dawn of this latter gospel day : and by this declension, 
those noble testimonies given us to bear, for the prince of peace, 
and the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness in the 
earth, were by many, but weakly supported ; and by others, 
almost wholly neglected; grieving and wounding the hearts of 
the faithful, and reproaching our Christian profession : neverthe- 
less, we had abundant cause gratefully to acknowledge the con- 
descending goodness and mercy of the great Head of the Church, 
in uniting us together in the work, and in owning the concern 
from place to place ; giving full evidence thereto in a general 
manner, by the manifestations of his love and power ; and 
thereby enabling and qualifying his weak and unworthy though 
devoted servants, who were veiy sensible they had no might nor 
ability of their own, to perform the service they were engaged in, to 
his honour, or the promotion of his righteous cause ; and to com- 
municate counsel and encouragement, reproof and caution, as 
occasion required, and opportunity offered ; by which the faithful 
were strengthened, and made at times to rejoice together, the 
hearts of Friends being in a very general manner, opened cor- 
dially to receive us and the concern, with much unanimity. 



128 JOURNAL OF 

We had many precious opportunities as we passed along, in 
public meetings, (many of which were much crowded, by those 
coming in who were not in membership with us,) and also in meet- 
ings for discipline ; truth being often raised powerfully into domi- 
nion over all. So that in many of those favoured seasons, we were 
strengthened to set up our Ebenezer, and to say, in the heart-felt 
language of filial and grateful acknowledgments, "hitherto hath 
the Lord helped us." And, I believe, it was a season of renewed 
power fid visitation, and manifestation of the Lord's mercy to 
many ; not only to the members of our society, but also, to others 
that are without, who were favoured with the privilege of attend- 
ing the public meetings. 

After getting through this part of the service, which took us 
between nine and ten weeks, in which time we travelled upwards 
of one thousand miles, and attended three quarterly meetings, 
seventeen monthly meetings, sixteen preparative meetings, and 
forty public meetings for worship, including those that preceded 
the monthly and preparative meetings, we returned home, and 
remained until the time of the next quarterly meetings' coming 
on when I again joined some of the committee, and attended 
the quarterly meetings of Westbury and Purchase, and all the 
monthly meetings constituting them ; except Piirchase monthly 
meeting. And I may say with gratitude of heart, that the same 
divine power that attended in the foregoing part of the visit, was 
again manifested for our help, in going through, and finishing 
the service, to the humble admiration and solid peace of my 
own mind, and the praise of his own right worthy name, "who 
is over all, God blessed for ever." How great and wonderful 
is his goodness and loving kindness to the children of men; his 
mercies are present every moment; and as saith the prophet, 
" they are new every morning :" therefore saith my soul let all 
praise and exalt him above all, for his mercy end nretfa for ever. 

In tbe latter part of (lie winter, and spring of the year 1809, 
with the concurrence of onr monthly meeting, I made a pretty 
general visit, to the oaeetinge of Friends, within the quarterly 
meeting of Purchase; and attended some meetings belonging to 
Nine Partners quarterly meeting; and also appointed ;i obnsi- 



ELIAS HICKS. 129 

derable number among others, in the adjacent parts. I found 
great openness generally among the people, to hear the truths of 
the gospel j and a number, I believe, received them with sincerity 
of heart ; and I was made glad in believing, that the Lord was 
graciously near, and accompanied the word preached, with his 
heart-tendering power, comforting and refreshing the broken 
hearted, reviving the spirit of the contrite ones, and stopping the 
mouths of gainsay ers. For these favours my soul was often 
bowed, in deep humility and contrition of spirit, accompanied 
with grateful acknowledgments and thanksgiving, for his won- 
derful works to the children of men. 

The year 1810, I spent mostly at home, except performing 
a visit to some of the neighbouring inhabitants, not in member- 
ship with us. I was from home in this service a few weeks in 
the spring ; and in the summer I performed a visit to the half 
year's meeting at Canada, by appointment from our yearly 
meeting. 

I passed the year 1811 at and near home, in attending our 
own and some adjacent meetings ; also some meetings in divers 
neighbourhoods among other societies. I had frequent cause to 
rejoice in a living hope, that truth was gradually rising, and the 
true light shining more and more in the hearts of the people ; 
and that in the Lord's time, it would be exalted and become a 
great mountain, and fill the whole earth. 

In the winter and spring of the year 1812, with the concur- 
rence of my friends, I passed about four weeks in visiting the 
neighbouring inhabitants, not of our society. I had twenty-eight 
meetings, all held in private houses ; many of them were very 
large and crowded, and the Lord was graciously near, comforting 
and refreshing the sincere-hearted, and opening counsel to those 
who wanted information, and sealing his testimony on the minds 
of the people, to the exaltation of his own righteous cause, and 
to the glory of his excellent name, " who is over all, God blessed 
for ever." 

In the forepart of the winter of 1813, feeling a renewed con- 
cern toward the neighbouring inhabitants of our island, and New- 
York, not in profession with us ; many of whom are as sheep 

17 



130 JOURNAL OF 

without a shepherd, and appeared to be under exercise and con- 
cern, to be rightly instructed in the way of peace and salvation, in 
gospel love, and with the unity of my friends, I paid them a visit. 
I had upwards of twenty meetings in the different parts, much 
to my own satisfaction, and, I trust, to the edification and com- 
fort of many who attended. The Lord, our gracious helper, was 
near, and covered the assemblies with his solemnizing presence 
and power ; and instructed to divide the word to the several " 
states, in the demonstration of the spirit. For these unmerited 
favours, I was made at seasons to rejoice, and in deep humilia- 
tion and thankfulness of heart, to joy in the God of my salvation, 
who does wondrous things in mercy, for the children of men, in 
order to hide pride from man, and turn him from his unrighteous 
purposes, and save his soul from the pit, that so he may know, 
and seek after God. 

Before I had got fully through this little tour of duty, a further 
prospect opened, toward a visit to Friends and others in the 
compass of Purchase quarterly meeting, and some of the neigh- 
bouring parts of the state of Connecticut, where none of our 
society reside : and under the impression of duty I laid the con- 
cern before our monthly meeting held in 1st month, 1813, and 
received its concurrence, in a short minute for that purpose. I 
left home the 6th of 2d month following, my kind friend Gideon 
Seaman, an Elder, and member of Westbury monthly meeting, 
accompanied me in this visit. 

We passed to New- York on our way, and on first day attended 
the forenoon meeting at Pearl-street, and the afternoon meeting 
at Liberty-street ; and had an appointed meeting on second day 
evening in the northeast part of the town, in a large room in a 
public house. It was a favoured season, and largely attended ; 
many more came than the room could contain. The two fore- 
going meetings were also favoured strengthening opportunities, 
affording encouragement in my first setting out in the weighty 
and solemn service before me, which I always esteem that of 
appointing meetings to be, more especially those among strangers ; 
many of whom know but little of us, or of the manner in which 
wo hold our meetings, and therefore are apt to get restless, and 



ELIAS HICKS. 131 

sometimes much disquieted at our sitting so long in silence, as we 
often have to do ; that it requires, in Friends, at such seasons, a 
veiy deep indwelling with the seed of life, to prevent being jostled, 
or interrupted in our inward travail and waiting, for the pure 
motion of life ; lest, by their eagerness to hear words, Friends on 
those occasions, might be led to venture on too small an intima- 
tion and without sufficiently turning the fleece again and again, 
and to feel clearly, that, " wo is unto me, if I preach not the 
gospel." For want of this care, there is danger sometimes of our 
running in vain, and so not profit the people at all, nor procure 
peace to our own minds. 

I was from home in this journey about four weeks, and rode 
upwards of three hundred miles; and attended twenty-five meet- 
ings, and our meeting for sufferings twice. Twelve of these 
meetings were among people not of our society ; and where there 
are no meetings of Friends. Among these I found great open- 
ness to receive us, and our testimony ; many expressed their satis- 
faction with the opportunities, and manifested a desire in most 
places, that we would stay longer with them, and have more 
meetings. Indeed truth was so prevalent in those meetings, as 
not only to silence, at least for the present, all opposition, but in 
many of them to reign triumphantly over all ; whereby many 
minds were comforted and instructed, and the power of truth 
exalted ; and our hearts made glad in believing, that the Shep- 
herd of Israel is still availingly stretching forth the crook of his 
love, and will gather many from the highways and hedges; 
whom, as they attend to his call, and abide faithful to the end, he 
will clothe with the wedding garment, and admit into the mar- 
riage chamber of the Lamb ; while many of those, who have been 
long and often invited, but are nevertheless making excuses, in 
order to attend to their farms, their merchandize, their oxen, &c., 
will not be able to enter. 



132 JOURNAL OF 



CHAPTER VI. 



Engagements at and about home, 1813.— Visit to Friends in the middle and 
southern states, 1813. 



Sixth day, 26th of 3d month, 1813. My worldly concerns 
engrossed much of my time to-day. How true is that saying, 
" No man can serve two masters." O, how hard a master the 
world is ; and from whose servitude I often feel strong desires to 
be fully redeemed ; so that all my time may be more fully dedicated 
to the service of my heavenly master, whom, I often feel, I sincerely 
love. 

Seventh day. Part of this day I spent in repairing a vehicle, 
in which 1 have travelled several thousand miles, in my religious 
engagements. Most of the evening was occupied in reading the 
excellent doctrine of our Lord relative to the Comforter, and the 
union and communion between himself and his faithful follow- 
ers, as recorded by John the Evangelist. If it is sweet and plea- 
sant to read, how much more precious and excellent is it to know 
and witness it in our own experience. 

First day. Our meeting this day passed in silent labour. 
The cloud rested on the tabernacle : and, although it was a day 
of much rain outwardly, yet very little of the dew of Hermon 
appeared to distil among us. Nevertheless, a comfortable calm 
was witnessed towards the close ; which we must render to the 
account of unmerited mercy and love. 

Second day. Most of this day was occupied in a visit to a 
sick friend, who appeared comforted therewith. Spent part of 
the evening in reading part of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. 



ELIAS HICKS. 133 

Third day. I was busied most of this day in my common 
vocations. Spent the evening principally in reading Paul. 
Found considerable satisfaction in his first epistle to the Corin- 
thians ; in which he shows the danger of some in setting too high 
a value on those who were instrumental in bringing them to the 
knowledge of the truth, without looking through and beyond the 
instrument, to the great first cause and Author of every blessing, 
to whom all the praise and honour are due. 

Fifth day, 1st of 4th month. At our meeting to-day found it, 
as usual, a very close steady exercise to keep the mind centered 
where it ought to be. What a multitude of intruding thoughts 
imperceptibly, as it were, steal into the mind, and turn it from its 
proper object, whenever it relaxes its vigilance in watching against 
them. Felt a little strength, just at the close, to remind Friends 
of the necessity of a steady perseverance, by a recapitulation of 
the parable of the unjust judge, showing how men ought always 
to pray, and not to faint. 

Sixth day. Nothing material occurred, but a fear lest the 
cares of the world should engross too much of my time. 

Seventh day. Had an agreeable visit from two ancient friends, 
whom I have long loved. The rest of the day I employed in 
manual labour, mostly in gardening. 

First day. Felt my mind drawn to attend to-day a meeting, 
a few miles from home, held ? for the present, by indulgence of » 
Friends. I was led forth in a line of encouragement and caution 
to a seeking travailing remnant ; and in warning to the indolent 
and self-righteous, endeavouring to show them the danger of 
resting in such a polluted state ; many hearts were contrited, and 
a comfortable solemnity clothed the meeting, for which we were 
made thankful to the gracious Author of all our blessings. 

Second day. This day spent in manual labour, a less pro- 
portion of which would suffice for me, if every other man was 
disposed to do his part : but the poor and the indolent must and 
will be helped. 

Third and fourth days. Mostly occupied in my temporal 
concerns, with attendant poverty of spirit, and a longing after 
spiritual food, free from condemnation. 



134 JOURNAL OF 

Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, at which our 
queries were read, and answers prepared to be sent to the yearly 
meeting ; but too much, I fear, in a formal way, and may, if 
not well guarded against, become a snare to us, as the brazen 
serpent was to Israel. 

Sixth day. I can say little more than that I wearied myself 
with hard labour in assisting my workmen to build stone fences. 
In the evening read Paul's Epistle to the Galatians, in which I 
think he has fully shown the final end and abolishment of all 
outward ordinances and observations in matters of religion. 

Seventh day. This day I spent mostly in manual labour. 
Some little interruption of mind by the improper conduct of one 
of my labourers. How hard a thing it is to find, in such persons, 
honesty, industry, and a suitable deportment, united in the same 
individual; and yet it is no more than ought to be in every man, 
and it is always their duty and interest to be so. 

First day. At our meeting to-day the fire seemed very low 
on the altar. Dulness, and a spirit of heaviness were too pre- 
dominant with many ; occasioned, no doubt, by a too near attach- 
ment to the world, and the things of it, with some, and by too 
much lightness and vanity with others. Alas, how much good 
seed is lost by the wayside, in stony places, and on thorny 
ground. Just at the close, I was engaged to call the attention 
of the people to the necessity of having always a proper point, or 
object to aim at, a right centre to all their hopes and desires ; and 
that God was the only proper object for man to set his heart 
upon, as the doing his will is the whole sum and substance of 
all true religion and worship. 

Second, third and fourth days. Spent in usual labour, with 
a peaceful mind. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting to day, at which 
I received a certificate of their unity and concurrence with a 
prospect, which I had previously opened to them, of perform- 
ing a religious visit to Friends and others, in some parts of the 
yearly meetings of Pennsylvania and Baltimore, and the adja- 
cent parts of Virginia. How humbling it is to the natural man 
to be called to the performance of those duties, for which he feels 



ELIAS HICKS. 135 

himself destitute of every right means and capacity : he is there- 
fore brought under the necessity of trusting in, and depending 
upon, that invisible arm of power, which is beyond the reach of 
all mortals to command or controul. 

Sixth day. Felt much poverty of spirit at our preparative 
meeting of Ministers and Elders. How necessary it is for such 
as fill those stations in society, to dig faithfully with their staves, 
like the princes and nobles of Israel formerly, by the direction of 
the lawgiver, saying, u spring up, O well, sing ye unto it ;" that 
so they may be favoured both with the upper and the nether 
spring : for how otherwise can they be good way marks and en- 
samples to the flock, over whom the Holy Ghost has made all 
the rightly qualified of this description overseers, and who will 
have to give an account of the flock under their charge. 

Seventh day. Spent in my usual vocation as a farmer or 
husbandman, in which I need incessantly to watch against the 
intrusions of worldly cares. 

First day. Had close exercise, through the greatest part of 
our meeting to day, in opposing a dull drowsy spirit, which, 
through unmerited mercy and help, I vanquished towards the 
close: soon after which, I was unexpectedly called upon to 
sound an alarm to the youth, and to show them the danger of 
suffering the intruding vanities and follies of the world to steal 
away their affections from their supreme good, and blessed Author 
of their being and well-being, in and on whom they ought to fix 
their only best hope and trust, who is the true and only source of 
all felicity and blessedness in time and in eternity. 

Second day. My temporal concerns necessarily engaged my 
attention to day; in pursuing of which, nothing transpired to 
interrupt or turn the mind from its proper centre. 

The four following days were principally occupied in attending 
our quarterly meeting, held, at this time, in New- York. I think 
it was, on the whole, a favoured season. The canopy of the 
heavenly Father's care was sensibly felt to overshadow the meet- 
ing in its several sittings. I spread before the meeting for disci- 
pline my prospect of a religious visit to Friends and others in 
some of the southern states, with the certificate of concurrence 



136 JOURNAL OF 

from our last monthly meeting. ; The meeting fully united 
therewith, and I was left at liberty to pursue the journey as way 
should open therefor. What deep obligations devolve upon us, 
when thus liberated by our friends, and separated to travel in 
the service of the gospel, that we are careful, in no case, to make 
the gospel chargeable to any, nor abuse our power in it ; but 
that, in deep humility and reverential fear, we wait for the put- 
ting forth of the Shepherd of Israel, and know him to go before : 
then will the Lord's cause prosper in our hands, and his people 
be edified and instructed, and we comforted in our labours of 
love, to the glory and praise of his right excellent name, who is 
over all, God blessed for ever. 

Seventh day. Was busied to day in my farming business, 
endeavouring to get all my temporal concerns properly arranged, 
expecting soon to proceed on the visit already mentioned ; as I 
consider it my especial duty, as much as in me lies, to leave all 
in a state of order and quiet, so that nothing may remain on the 
mind that would tend to interrupt Or disturb it, while travelling 
in this weighty service, nor that any should have cause to com- 
plain, whom I leave behind. 

First day. Having felt my mind inclined to see Friends in 
their meeting at Bethpage before I left home, I went there to 
day, accompanied by my wife, our two youngest daughters, and 
a sober young woman of our neighbourhood. Their company 
was pleasant, and, after a time of deep inward travail and suffer- 
ing, I trust the season was profitable and edifying to a number 
present. How often are the living baptized for the dead, in order 
for their arising ; for if the dead are not raised, preaching is vain. 
Second and third days. Spent in preparing my business, 
looking for the time of setting out on my intended journey. 
May I be ready and willing when the time comes, without mur- 
muring or complaining ; for, as I trust and believe a dispensa- 
tion of the gospel is committed to me, wo is unto me if I preach 
not the gospel. 

Fourth day. Alas, how the cares of the world intrude on the 
mind and engross its attention, if they are not carefully watched 
against with fervent prayer ! 



ELIAS HICKS. 137 

Fifth day. Attended our usual meeting. Found it necessary 
to engage against a dull heavy spirit, that seemed very prevalent 
in the meeting : but, as I maintained the struggle, I was favoured 
with a good degree of victory towards the close, when a ray of 
light broke forth, attended with peace and quietude of mind, an 
ample reward for all my toil. 

Sixth day. I endeavoured to spend this day as I ought to do. 
Met with some interruption from a careless neighbour, by the 
trespass of his unruly cattle. How much more comfort and 
satisfaction Avould neighbourhoods enjoy, if all honestly endea- 
voured to walk uprightly, agreeably to that excellent rule left us 
by Jesus Christ : "all things whatsoever ye would that men 
should do to you, do ye even so to them ; for this is the law 
and the prophets." 

Seventh day, 1st of 5th month. Still pressing after a more 
full release from the world and its cares, endeavouring to redeem 
the time, because the days are still evil, or attended in many 
respects, with much evil. The alarm of war is heard in the 
land, and much contention is among the people. Flee, O my 
soul, to thy rock, the name of the Lord ; for, in it is safety, and 
a sure refuge from all the storms and tempests, that assail poor 
mortals in passing through this vale of tears, and state of trial 
and probation. 

First day. Had to suffer through the meeting to-day. Alas, 
how oft have the poor ministers to be baptized for, and with, the 
dead ! 

Second day. Still pressing after a release from my worldly 
cares ; as the time is near at hand, when I shall proceed on my 
proposed journey to the south and west on my good Master's 
business, I hope, in the way he is pleased to lead. 

Third day. Felt much poverty of spirit to-day, although 
nothing particular has occurred either on the right hand or the 
left ; therefore I feel, in a good degree, a peaceful mind which is 
worthy of thanksgiving. 

Fourth day. Still pressing after a full settlement of my tem- 
poral concerns that I may be in a state of readiness to pursue my 
journey, as soon as the way opens. 

18 



138 JOURNAL OP 

Fifth day. Was favoured, towards the close of our meeting 
to-day, to discharge another debt of love and care to my friends, 
as it was likely to be the last opportunity I should have with 
them before I proceeded on my intended journey ; and, through 
the prevalence of gospel love, it was made a tendering baptizing 
season to some, and we parted under a degree of the uniting 
influence of it. 

Sixth day. Still aiming at the same mark of readiness and 
preparation for my journey, expecting to leave home to-morrow, 
and proceed therein, if the cloud is removed from the tabernacle, 
and the light should lead the way. 

Seventh day, 8th of 5th month, 1813. I commenced the 
journey on this day, after a precious solemn season with my 
family, in which I was favoured, in fervent supplication, to 
recommend them to the divine protection and preserving care 
of the Shepherd of Israel. Under a thankful sense of his loving 
kindness we took leave of each other in much affectionate sym- 
pathy and brokenness of spirit, I rode to New- York with a peace- 
ful and quiet mind. My kinsman Isaac Hicks, of Westbury, 
kindly accompanied me in this journey. 

First day. Attended Friends' meetings there, in the morning 
at Pearl-street, and in the afternoon at Liberty-street. They 
were both exercising seasons, and I hope profitable to some, as 
in all right exercise we are encouraged to believe there is profit. 
After these opportunities, and a favoured season in a family of 
Friends, the heads of which were Elders, I felt a pretty full 
release from the city at present. 

Second day. Proceeded on our journey to Newark, where 
we attended a meeting appointed for us at the third hour. 
It was on the whole, I think, a favoured season ; many truths 
of the gospel were opened to the people, and appeared to have 
a good degree of entrance to the minds of some present ; al- 
though others appeared to be too much fettered by the prejudice 
of education to be profited by them. The meeting closed in 
solemn quiet ; and I left them with a peaceful mind. We then 
rode to Railway and lodged. 






ELIAS HICKS, 139 

Third day. This afternoon at the third hour we attended a 
meeting previously appointed at Elizabethtown. Many of the 
most respectable inhabitants attended, among whom were the 
governour of the state of New- Jersey and his wife ; and a very 
considerable number of young people. The Lord, who is a 
never-failing helper to those that trust in him, was near, furnish- 
ing with ability to preach the gospel of life and salvation to the 
people, in the clear demonstration of the spirit ; and with a power 
attending, that produced great brokenness of heart and contrition 
of spirit among them ; and the power of his divine love was felt 
to spread over the meeting as a precious canopy. We parted 
with them in humiliation and deep thankfulness of heart, re- 
joicing that his loving kindness was still extended to his back- 
sliding and offending creature man. 

Fourth and fifth days. We attended Friends' meetings at 
Plainfield and Railway. 

Sixth day. We had a favoured meeting at New Brunswick 
among the inhabitants of the town. Many truths of the gospel 
were opened to their consideration ; and a comfortable solem- 
nity was witnessed to spread over the meeting. 

Seventh day. We rode to Upper Freehold, intending to be at 
Friends' meeting at East Branch in that township on first day. 
We lodged at the house of our friend George Frost, where I 
had lodged before in my way through these parts, about twelve 
years prior to this time. We met a very kind reception from our 
said friend and his family ; and it seemed like a fresh renewal 
of friendship and affection between us. How consoling it is for 
theVeary traveller to meet with kind friends ! it is as a brook by 
the way in a time of drought. 

First day. We attended East Branch meeting as proposed. 
The forepart was exercising, for want of a lively travail among 
the members ; too many of whom seemed in a dead, lifeless 
state, as to a right religious concern. This makes hard labour 
for the living exercised members, and is very trying to those who 
visit them in the service of truth ; yet as we kept up the travail 
for truth's arising, and patiently abode under suffering, a degree 
of light broke forth, and led to a seasonable, and I trust, instruc- 



140 



JOURNAL OF 



tive communication ; in which I found relief and peace in the 
labour, which I consider a great favour. 

Second day. Were at Upper Freehold meeting. It was a 
season of deep suffering in the forepart, in which my spirit was 
deeply baptized with, and for the dead ; but as I patiently sub- 
mitted to the crucifying operation of the present dispensation, a 
degree of light sprang up, and in it I was led to view the declara- 
tion of the apostle Paul, that "death reigned from Adam to 
Moses," and to show to the people, that all the unregenerate 
were under the influence and power of the same death. For in 
Adam, that is, in the transgressing state, all die. And that it is 
only by and through our attention being turned to the inward 
divine law, which the apostle calls, " the law of the spirit of life 
in Christ Jesus," and our yielding full obedience thereunto, that 
we can be set free and delivered from this law of sin and death, 
which was typified by Israel's deliverance, from the bondage of 
Pharaoh, by a full and implicit obedience to the outward com- 
mands of God, through his servant Moses. As I attended care- 
fully to the opening, truth rose into victory, and administered 
cause of thanksgiving, under a grateful sense of the continued 
mercy and loving kindness of our gracious Creator to his back- 
sliding creature man. 

The three following days we attended meetings at Crosswicks, 
alias Chesterfield, Upper Springfield, and a meeting called the 
Mount. These were all favoured meetings, wherein the Lord's 
presence and power were manifested, tendering and contriting 
many hearts, giving tongue and utterance ; and through which 
the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit, ^ind 
with a power attending, which carried sharp reproof to the diso- 
bedient and unfaithful, strength to the weak and feeble minded, 
confirmation and encouragement to the honest-hearted, humble 
traveller ; and mutually rejoicing the sincere-hearted. For all 
these favours my spirit was made humbly thankful to the Shep- 
herd of Israel, to whom all the glory and praise is due, for his 
mercy endureth for ever. 

Sixth clay. Attended Friends' meeting at Old Springfield. It 
a precious baptizing season, the Lord's presence and power 



ELIAS HICKS. 141 

were felt to spread over the meeting, affecting and contriting 
many present ; and comforting and encouraging the honest 
travellers Zion-ward. The meeting closed under a thankful 
sense of divine favour, with prayer and praise. 

Seventh day. We were at Mansfield. On first day were at 
Bordentown in the morning, and at Lower Mansfield in the 
afternoon. These meetings were well attended and very solemn. 
The two last, Friends informed me were unusually large. Oh 
how good is the Lord, and greatly to be praised for his marvel- 
lous works, and his never failing loving kindness to the children 
of men. 

Second day. We were at Burlington. In this meeting my 
mind was opened largely to set forth the nature and design of 
the gospel dispensation ; and to show, that as none had ever 
been perfect in it, but the man Jesus Christ, we had not a right, 
as his professed followers, to take the example of any but his 
own, for our real perfect rule of life. For all who have gone 
before us have in a greater or less degree, through the undue 
force and prejudice of education, fallen short of the perfect rule 
left us in his example and precepts. 

I also showed them that the Christian professors in the varied 
ages of the Church had very much marred and obstructed the 
work of reformation, by suffering themselves to be too closely 
attached to their several particular leaders ; and have therefore 
justly thrown themselves open to the censure of the apostle; 
wherein he blames some of the primitive Christians for setting 
themselves one against another, by the partiality each had for 
the minister, by whom he had been brought over to the Chris- 
tian faith, one crying, I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of 
Cephas, and some more wise, I of Christ ; to whose example all 
ought to have looked, and not turned their attention so much to 
the instruments, by whom they were brought to believe in him. 
Although many of our worthy predecessors according to their 
measure of light endeavoured faithfully to do the work of their 
day, yet few, if any of them, had been so entirely emancipated 
from the undue force of education, as to see clearly through the 
cloud of prejudice produced thereby ; and therefore were in the 



142 



JOURNAL OF 



practice of divers things, not consistent with that perfect justice 
which the example and precepts of our Lord call for, and which 
are in full unison with the perfect righteousness of the gospel. 
The word was preached in a large searching testimony, I trust 
through divine assistance, in the demonstration of the spirit, to 
the comfort and encouragement of the sincere in heart, and the 
peace of my own mind. 

Third day. Were at Rancocas. The meeting was solemn, and 
the Lord's presence was felt to preside, humbling many minds ; 
and many truths of the gospel were in an instructive manner 
spread before the people. 

Fourth and fifth days. We attended meetings at Mount 
Holly, Upper Evesham, and were at Easton on fifth day after- 
noon ; these were all favoured meetings. In the two former, 
my mind was largely opened in two doctrinal testimonies, wherein 
the design and end of all the shadows of the law were clearly 
opened; and the necessity of their entire abolishment at the 
death and resurrection of Christ clearly shown. I also opened to 
them, that, by the primitive Christians retaining many of the 
shadows of the law, the apostacy broke in upon the Church, and 
that by the retention of some of the same shadows, the reforma- 
tion had been, and is still greatly retarded : and will never 
advance on its right foundation, until those shadows are all dis- 
carded and done away. My mind was deeply humbled, under 
a sense of the Lord's mercy. 

The three following days we were at Lower Evesham, Crop- 
well, Chester, Westfield, Haddonfield, and at Newtown, attending 
two meetings each day. After the latter meeting, on first day 
evening, we crossed the river Delaware to Philadelphia. In those 
meetings my mind was deeply humbled, under a grateful sense 
of the Lord's continued mercy to an unworthy people ; rendered 
so by the continued disobedience and revolting of great numbers, 
who go under our name, not only among the youth, but with 
many of riper age, whose experience and daily observation we 
might reasonably suppose, had they endeavoured to improve by 
it, would, ere now, have taught them better. But how true is 
that saying of the great Master : " If therefore the light that is 



ELIAS HICKS. 



143 



in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness." This has 
fallen to the lot of those, by tinning then backs upon the true 
light, and adhering to their own carnal reasonings and fleshly 
consultations, whereby they have been left like Balaam, through 
his covetousness, to justify themselves in many things, which the 
true light in them, had they been obedient to its manifestations, 
would not have approved. Therefore these are left as a reward 
of their disobedience to believe a he to their own confusion. 

My mind was largely opened in these meetings, not only to 
commemorate the Lord's gracious dealings with the children of 
men ; but likewise to set forth and open to the several auditories 
the subtle workings and varied transformations of that diabolical 
spirit, which lies in wait to deceive and counteract the gracious 
designs of heaven among the children of men. And under a 
renewed sense of the Lord's continued mercy, my spirit was led 
to exclaim, as did one formerly: "Great and marvellous are thy 
works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are all thy ways, 
thou King of saints." 

The following week we spent in the city, except on seventh 
day we rode out and attended two meetings ; one in the morning 
at Frankford, and the other at Germantown, at five in the after- 
noon. These were both favoured seasons. We then returned 
in the evening to Philadelphia ; and the next day being the first 
of the week, and the 6th of 6th month, were at Friends' meeting 
at Arch-street in the morning, and at the North meeting in the 
afternoon. Some previous notice having been given of my in- 
tention of attending them, they were unusually large ; and many 
had to go away for want of mom. It was supposed there were 
three thousand people at the beginning of the meeting, and 
toward the close many more than the rooms could contain. 
Through the marvellous condescension and loving kindness of 
our gracious God, my mind was strengthened and qualified to 
preach the gospel of peace and salvation to the people, in the 
demonstration of the spirit, and with a power attending, that 
brought home the doctrine, to the humbling conviction of many 
minds. In the first I was engaged to bear testimony to the 
excellency of a life of strict and impartial justice and righteous- 



144 JOURNAL OF 

nese, as the only right foundation of every real religious and 
moral virtue ; and without which no true virtue could possibly 
exist. The communication comprehended much salutary cau- 
tion, reproof and encouragement, suited to the varied states pre- 
sent ; under a sense of which my mind was deeply humbled, and 
had gratefully to acknowledge, " this is the Lord's doings, and 
marvellous in mine eyes." The latter was likewise a favoured sea- 
son, wherein many truths of the gospel were opened to the people, 
tending to lead their minds off from all dependence on traditional 
religion and worship ; and to gather them home to the eternal 
substance in themselves, Christ, the hope of glory and light of 
the world ; by the influence of whose light and spirit, we only 
can be enabled to obtain victory over the world and its spirit, 
and become qualified to worship the Father in spirit and in 
truth. 

The 7th we left Philadelphia. In the course of this week 
and the next first day, we attended eleven meetings in the follow- 
ing order, previous notice having gone forward. On second day 
at Darby ; third day at Haverford in the morning, and at Merion 
at the fifth hour in the afternoon ; fourth day at the Valley ; 
fifth day at Radnor, which was their monthly meeting ; sixth 
day at Newtown in the morning, and at Springfield in the after- 
noon ; seventh day at Middletown in the morning, and at Pro- 
vidence in the afternoon ; first day at Chester in the morning, and 
at Chichester in the afternoon. And although I was taken 
very unwell on third day afternoon, before the third meeting as 
above arranged, and continued so through the week, and until 
the last meeting ; insomuch that for several days I could take 
scarcely any nourishment, my stomach loathing all food ; yet to 
my humbling admiration, I was strengthened to go through the 
service of these meetings, which in each was arduous and exten- 
sive. At the close of some of them my strength was so exhausted, 
being wet from head to foot with extreme sweating, that it 
seemed to me after divers of those exercising seasons, almost 
impossible for me to reach the next; but that which is impossible 
to man, we often find easy to the grea< I [elper of his people. As 
my care was wholly cast upon Mini, he graciously accompanied. 



ELIAS HICKS. 145 

by his holy presence, from meeting to meeting. When I first 
sat down in many of those meetings, the force of my complaint 
seemed to absorb all my strength both of body and mind ; yet as 
I endeavoured to centre in quiet, I seldom sat long before the 
light sprang up, and dispelled all the darkness, and opened doc- 
trine new and old ; and strengthened to communicate in a way 
of clear demonstration. The honest-hearted were strengthened 
and instructed, and conviction and reproof brought home to the 
delinquent, and a visitation of entreaty and love extended to the 
beloved young people, whose minds were not yet hardened in 
vice ; showing them, what great and everlasting benefits and 
blessings would redound to them, by an early dedication of their 
hearts to the Lord. My mind at the close of these large solemn 
meetings, (for many were very large, more than the houses could 
contain,) was generally centered in perfect peace, wherein I was 
led to contemplate the Lord's marvellous loving kindness to me a 
poor unworthy creature, and his wonderful works in mercy to 
the children of men ; waiting in long forbearance for their return, 
and continuing his call to them by his spirit, through his ser- 
vants and messengers, rising up early and sending them, that 
no means should be left untried for their recovery and reconcilia- 
tion. O, what shall we render to the Lord for all his benefits ! 
Having been very unwell, as before observed, most of the last 
week, I found it necessary to lay by a day or two, which we did 
at the house of our friend John Talbot. With a little rest I soon 
found myself better, and being desirous to improve the time, we 
again proceeded. On fourth day, the 16th of the month, we 
were at Concord meeting, at Wilmington on fifth day, Centre on 
sixth day, Hockesson on seventh day, and at Kennet on first 
day. I was helped to get through the service of these meetings 
to my own satisfaction and peace of mind ; although some of 
them were very trying and exercising, by the unfaithfulness and 
great want of a right concern and zeal, for the support and 
maintenance of our Christian testimonies, which in some families 
were very much neglected and let fall. I* was led forth generally 
in those meetings, in close searching testimonies, tending to 
arouse friends from their bed of ease and carnal security ; brought 

19 



146 JOURNAL OF 

upon them by an inordinate love of the world, and an increase of 
temporal blessings ; in which their principal enjoyments were too 
much centered, loving- the gifts and forgetting the Giver. I 
laboured fervently among them, especially in the last meeting, 
wherein my mind was largely opened to unfold to the audience 
many of the deep mysteries of the gospel state, making them 
plain and easy to be understood by the most ignorant, whose 
minds were in any degree turned to inquire the way to Zion. 
It was a season in which the Lord's power was manifested in an 
eminent degree, breaking down and contriting many hearts, and 
truth appeared to reign triumphantly over all, to the praise of 
his grace who is God, blessed for ever. 

The following week we attended meetings at Birmingham, 
Willistown, Goshen, Westchester, Bradford and Marlborough. 
These were mostly pretty full meetings, and generally favoured 
and satisfactory. In some of them, as in many foregoing oppor- 
tunities, the Lord's power was eminently exalted, and set above, 
and over, all errour and untruth. 

On first day, the 27th of the month, we attended two very 
large meetings. One in the morning at London Grove, and 
the other in the afternoon at New Garden. In both of these 
meetings, my mind, I trust, was opened by that divine key, 
which, when it opens, none can shut, and when it shuts, none 
can open. I was strengthened to declare largely of the things 
of God, and the way to eternal life ; to the satisfaction and peace 
of my own mind ; and I trust to the edification and instruction, 
as well as conviction and reproof, of many present ; the spirit 
assisting to divide the word severally to every one, according to 
the necessity of their different states. It was a day thankfully 
to be remembered. 

In the course of this week wc attended meetings at West 
Grove, East and West Nottingham, Eastland, and Little Britain. 
These were all satisfactory seasons ; that at East Nottingham 
particularly, was a heart-searching opportunity, wherein truth 
was raised powerfully into dominion over all. Many were broken 
and contrited, and a number wept freely for a considerable time : 
surely it was the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes. On 



ELIAS HICKS. 147 

seventh day we crossed the river Susquehannah, and rode into 
the neighbourhood of Deer Creek ; and attended the meeting 
there on first day. This also proved a very precious meeting, 
wherein the Lord's power was eminently manifested ; and ever^ 
mind appeared to be humbled by its blessed influence. The 
meeting ended with solemn supplication. The two following 
days, we attended meetings at Little Falls and Gunpowder. 
After the latter meeting, we rode to Baltimore ; and the two fol- 
lowing days, attended Friends' meetings there for the Western 
and Eastern Districts, as they came in course. At the close of 
each, their monthly meetings were held, Avhich were exercising 
seasons, but ended to pretty good satisfaction. There appeared 
to be a concerned remnant in each meeting, through whose care 
the discipline appeared to be pretty well supported. After the 
latter, we left the city and rode to Elk Ridge, to attend a meeting 
appointed for us there the next day, the sixth of the week ; which 
was a satisfactory opportunity. The day after, we attended 
Indian Spring meeting. It was a solemn, and I trust profitable 
season to some : may it remain with them as bread cast upon 
the waters, that may be found after many days. 

After this meeting, we rode to the city of Washington ; and 
the next day, being the first of the week, and the 11th of 7th 
month, we attended a meeting there in the morning; and in the 
afternoon one at Alexandria. .These were both very hard trying 
meetings ; the people appeared very destitute of real religious 
engagement, their minds being so swallowed up in their political 
controversies, and other worldly concerns, that there seemed to 
be very little room in their thoughts for any thing else. I felt 
but little satisfaction in these meetings, except a consciousness of 
having done my duty, in laying before them, in a plain manner, 
divers truths necessary for them to be in the practice of, and 
without which they could not be real Christians, nor obtain an 
inheritance' in the kingdom of heaven. 

The three following days we attended meetings at George- 
town, Sandy Spring, and Elk Ridge. We had been at the latter 
place the week before on sixth day. These were seasons of 
favour : many truths of the gospel were, I trust, clearly opened 



148 JOURNAL OF 

to the people, accompanied with right authority, humbling many 
minds, and truth reigned over all. After the last meeting, we 
rode to Baltimore that afternoon, and attended a meeting pre- 
viously appointed for us at the fifth hour ; and the next day 
Friends' meeting in the Eastern District was held, and public 
notice was given of our intention of attending it. These were 
both fall meetings, in which I was led forth in two large doc- 
trinal testimonies, I trust, to the edification and comfort of many 
minds. 

After this I felt easy and clear to leave the city. We proceeded 
that afternoon about fourteen miles on our way towards Little 
York, in Pennsylvania ; where we arrived the next day a little 
before evening. On seventh day we had a comfortable instruc- 
tive meeting there. We then rode to Columbia, crossing the 
river Susquehannah in our way. The next day being first day, 
Ave attended Friends' meeting there. It was large for that place, 
more came than the house could contain ; and was a favoured 
season ; the Lord's power was manifest, and truth reigned over 
all ; and I was made to rejoice, under an humbling sense of his 
continued mercy and gracious assistance from day to day J 
wherein we had cause often to set up our Ebenezer, and say, in 
the language of one formerly, " hitherto hath the Lord helped 
us." 

The three following days, Ave attended meetings at Lampeter, 
Sadsbury, and Doe Run. In these, our gracious helper, whom 
Ave Avaited upon, and trusted in, manifested himself to be a God 
near at hand, and a present helper in every needful time ; 
and Avas not only mouth and wisdom, tongue and utterance ; 
but likewise sealed the truths communicated by the attendant. 
evidence of his oAvn power, humbling and contritiug many 
hearts and bringing all under subjection to the authority of truth ; 
so that I had often in deep thankfulness of heart, to query like 
David : " What shall I render unto the Lord for all -his benefits 
towards me." 

We then proceeded, attending meetings at Fallowfield, East 
Cain, DoAvningstoAvn ; and on fu>t day, the 25th of 7th month, 
w ere at Uwchlan meeting. It was, I trust, a profitable instructive 



ELIAS HICKS. 149 

season, as were also the three foregoing ; and I found peace in 
my labours, which I esteem above all. 

On second day we crossed the river Schuylkill, in our way to 
Plymouth ; where, by previous notice, we had a meeting appointed 
at the fourth hour in the afternoon, which we accordingly at- 
tended. The next day we had an appointed meeting at Abing- 
ton. These were both large meetings, in which the Lord's 
power was felt to preside. The latter especially was a very 
comfortable satisfactory meeting, wherein many truths of the 
gospel were opened to the people's consideration, and they pressed 
to an engagement of mind to realize them in their own experi- 
ence ; and were shown the great and singular advantage and 
benefits, that would most certainly result to them and to society, 
in their so doing. The Lord's power was manifest, and truth 
reigned over all opposition. 

The four following days we were at Byberry, Middletown, 
Bristol, and the Falls. These were large meetings, wherein, 
through gracious assistance, my mind was strengthened to labour 
largely in the gospel ; endeavouring, by plain and conclusive 
arguments, drawn from scripture testimony and their own expe- 
rience, to gather the minds and attention of the people, from 
every non-essential and false trust, home to the sure foundation, 
the elect precious corner stone, which is Christ in them, the hope 
of glory. These were solemn seasons, wherein the people's 
minds were generally humbled, the honest-hearted comforted, the 
youth encouraged and instructed, and the lukewarm and refrac- 
tory cautioned and reproved. The Lord's power was exalted 
over all, rejoicing the sincere-hearted, and giving peace to my 
own mind. 

The next day being first day, and 1st of 8th month, we 
attended Trenton meeting in the morning, and were at Stony 
Brook at five in the afternoon. The meeting at Trenton was 
considered to be the largest that had ever been held in that place. 
It was a favoured precious meeting, wherein the Lord's power 
was eminently manifest ; and my spirit was made to rejoice 
and joy in the God of my salvation, who had made bare his arm 
of divine sufficiency; and as I trusted in him, carried me through, 



150 JOURNAL OP 

and over, every trial and tribulation, that attended in the course 
of this journey ; enabling me to labour faithfully in the work of 
the gospel, I trust to the exaltation of his own righteous cause, 
and to the peace and comfort of my own mind. 

These meetings closed my visit in those parts. We then pro- 
ceeded directly to New- York, where we arrived on third day ; 
and as Friends' monthly meeting there was to be held the next 
day, we concluded to stay and attend it. I then rode home and 
found my family well, for which favour, together with the Lord's 
other multiplied mercies and blessings, conferred in the course of 
my pilgrimage through this vale of tears, inspire my heart with 
gratitude and thanksgiving to the great and blessed Author of 
my being and well-being, " who is over all, God blessed for 
ever." 

Fifth day, 5th of 8th month, 1813. On this, and the two fol- 
lowing days, I made preparations for again entering into the 
necessary cares of my family. 

First day. After a pretty close exercise in silence in our meet- 
ing to-day, I was led to call Friends' attention to more strict 
watchfulness and circumspection, and to show the necessity of 
advancing in the work of righteousness, and not to continue any 
longer at ease in a formal customary way, which is sure to pro- 
duce dwarfishness and death, not only to individuals, but also 
languor and dulness in meetings, greatly distressing to the 
living exercised members. 

The following week was spent in my common vocation as a 
tanner ; except that on seventh day, I went to Setauket, about 
thirty miles, to visit a sick Friend, who had lately been received 
a member. We had a meeting with her and some of her neigh- 
bours on first day, after which I returned home that evening. 

Second, third, and fourth days, passed, as usual, in a peaceful 
attention to my ordinary vocations. 

Fifth day. At meeting to day my mind was solemnly hum- 
bled in a fresh commemoration of the gracious dealings of our 
heavenly Father towards the workmanship of his holy hand, 
especially to l,i s revolting arid backsliding creature man : whom, 
iu great mercy, he is visiting and revisiting in the midst of his 



ELIAS HICKS. 151 

iniquities, inviting him in loving kindness to repent and return, 
that he may bring back his soul from the pit, and be enlightened 
with the light of the living. 

Sixth and seventh days. Was occupied with my temporal 
concerns, which were trying, through indisposition of body, and 
much poverty of mind. 

First day. I attended our meeting to-day, not so much with 
an expectation of comfort, as from a sense of real duty, as my 
bodily indisposition and poverty of spirit still continued ; never- 
theless, my mind, soon after I took my seat, was opened into a 
view of the great hurt man has sustained by suffering himself to 
be led and governed by his external senses. It is through these 
avenues that he is principally exposed to temptation in this pro- 
bationary state. And had he watchfully attended to the internal 
sense and voice of God to his soul, which his dependent state 
justly required of him, the tempter would have found no more 
place in him, than he did in the blessed Jesus. Hence the way 
of our return lies open before us, through the grace of God or 
Comforter, by which the internal sense of the soul is again arrested, 
and strict obedience to its dictates required ; and if yielded to in 
uprightness and faithful submission, the external senses are 
thereby subjected and regulated, and every undue desire and 
passion subdued, and the creature returns a willing subject to the 
Creator, and primitive harmony is restored. I had largely to 
communicate on this subject", and to show to the auditory how 
wonderfully gracious and merciful the Lord is, who in longsuffer- 
ing and loving kindness is dispensing to every state, according to 
its necessities, not suffering even a sparrow to fall without his 
heavenly notice. 

The rest of this week was spent in my ordinary vocations. 
My farming business was very pressing, and it being difficult to 
procure suitable assistance, my mind was over-burdened with 
care, which seldom fails of producing leanness of spirit in a lesser 
or greater degree. 

First day, the 29th of 8th month. Attended our meeting in 
silence. Oh ! what a precious enjoyment to know both soul 
and body in humble silence, prostrated at the throne of grace. 



152 JOURNAL OP 

Second day. Had invitations to attend the funerals of two 
deceased women Friends on the day following. One of them 
had been lately, at her request, received into membership by our 
monthly meeting, but was never able to attend, she living in 
the town of Setauket, far distant from Friends. We had a meet- 
ing at her funeral agreeably ta her request. It was a large 
solemn one. A number of the inhabitants of the town attended, 
and many, although generally strangers to us, were glad of the 
opportunity, and appeared well affected therewith. The rest of 
this week Avas spent about home in my usual avocations. 

First day, the 5th of 9th month. Attended the indulged 
meeting at Jerusalem, which, in the main, I think was a favoured 
season, although somewhat hurt in the forepart 4jy an unsavoury 
appearance in the ministry. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Was occupied in attending 
to my farming business, which, for want of suitable, faithful 
labourers, is often attended with much care, and too much bodily 
labour for my time of life, but which cannot well be avoided 
without my business suffering. 

Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, at which our 
overseers brought forward information of one of our members 
having through unwatchfulness and want of faithful attention 
to the witness of truth in his own mind, given way repeatedly 
to use strong drink to excess. This information affected my 
mind in degree, both with joy and sorrow. I was glad, because 
from my knowledge of the case, I fully believed it had been too 
long procrastinated, not only to the hurt and loss of the indi- 
vidual ; but also, had brought reproach upon the society, and 
wounded the noble cause we are engaged to espouse. And it 
was cause of real sorrow, when I was brought to reflect on the 
distressed state of the individual, and the great affliction it must. 
necessarily produce to his wife and children, and near connex- 
ions. O how necessary to keep up a steady watch and warfare, 
against this sore evil which destroys so many tens of thousands 
of the children of men, both in soul and body. 

A few following days were spent in much bodily pain from a 
supposed rheumatic complaint in one of my limbs. O how needful 



EtIAS HICKS. 153 

a virtue is patience in seasons of affliction, to keep us from un- 
grateful murmurings ; by which men and women often greatly 
offend their gracious and beneficent Creator, who designs nothing 
but good to his creature man in all the varied dispensations of 
his divine providence. 

First day. At our meeting to-day, I was led to show to the 
people the great harm and loss neighbourhoods, as well as the 
community at large, sustain for want of a careful submission to 
the laws, in all points where they do not interfere with con- 
science ; and that those who from their licentious and immoral 
pursuits, were often transgressing against the moral precepts of 
the law, were not worthy of living in a free country, while viola- 
ting i lie civil policy thereof merely to gratify their own creaturely 
and selfish inclinations. An honest and faithful attention to 
the moral law of the country we live in, will, in a certain degree, 
(as the apostle expressed in allusion to the law of Moses,) be as 
a schoolmaster to lead to Christ. He only who is faithful in the 
unrighteous mammon, is likely to make any proficiency in 
obtaining the true riches. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting ; at the first sit- 
ting of which, my mind was opened into a clear view of the 
necessity of our coming to experience a resurrection from a state 
of spiritual death, to a renewal of spiritual life, through the resur- 
rection of Christ, by his life and power in us; -as nothing short 
of that can give full and satisfactory evidence of his, and our 
resurrection, from the dead. On this internal testimony our 
whole salvation depends ; and we know and feel, that because 
he lives we live also ; and the life that we now live, is by faith 
in the Son of God, hence we come to know in our own expe- 
rience what Paul meant when he thus expressed himself: "my 
little children, of whom I travail* in birth again until Christ be 
formed in you." Christ formed in us is the sum and sub- 
stance of the gospel state. 

Sixth and seventh days. Spent in manual labouiy a reasona- 
ble portion of which I consider my duty and delight ; and the 
more my delight, because I esteem it my reasonable and Chris- 
tian service : and as I also abhor idleness and sloth. 

20 



154 JOURNAL OP 

First day. Sat our meeting in silence under a pretty long 
testimony of a ministering Friend on a visit to us, who intro- 
duced his communication with the following saying of Christ : 
" Except ye eat my flesh and drink my blood, ye have no life in 
you; for my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed:" 
and to show that it was to be spiritually understood and inter- 
nally received, he further added : " The words that I say unto 
you, they are spirit and they are life." An excellent subject 
indeed, and while he kept to his text and the subject, it seemed 
lively ; but he after a time departed from it, and the life, I thought, 
very much departed with it. How very necessary it is for 
ministers to keep a steady eye to the openings of truth, and not 
suffer any premature birth to rise up and get in and scatter their 
attention. For want of this care, I have often thought many good 
openings have been much lost, and the work thereby marred. 

First day, the 10th of 10th month. Alas ! how fleeting is 
time : three weeks have elapsed since my last note ; in the course 
of which I have attended two funerals. Take care, oh my soul ! 
and do not grow careless and forgetful when drawing near to 
the eve of life ; lest the world and its cares get in and choke the 
bubblings of the celestial spring, through the abundant cumber 
that seems necessarily attendant on my present state in striving 
to help and comfort others. 

First day, the 17th of 10th month. Passed the last week 
principally in attending to my outward avocations, except attend- 
ing the funeral of a young man, where we had a solemn oppor- 
tunity. I was exercised publicly to set forth the necessity and 
great propriety of an early and timely preparation for death ; and 
to show to the people the way and means by which it only can 
be effected ; founded on the declaration of the apostle Paul, where 
he asserts that, " not by works of righteousness which we have 
done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of 
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." The Opportunity 
closed with comfort and peace of mind, which is the true crown 
of all. 

I sat our meeting to-day in silence, feeling nothing to exercise 
my mind in a communicative way. 



ELLAS HICKS. 155 

Seventh day. Spent this week mostly in the busy round of 
outward cares, in my temporal concerns ; except attending our 
monthly meeting on fifth day, and our select meeting for Minis- 
ters and Elders on sixth day. In both of these my mind was 
exercised on account of the apparent languor respecting the right 
management and want of firmness in the execution of our dis- 
cipline, even in Ministers and Elders; by which reason the society- 
were very much enveloped in a state of weakness. 

First day. Felt my mind clothed with great weakness, and 
a feeling sense of my own insufficiency, while sitting in our 
meeting to-day ; nevertheless, I was led to view in prospect and 
contemplation, the great and essential advantages which result to 
individuals, and society in general, by a strict and steady 
attendance of religious meetings, from a real sense of duty ; as 
there is scarcely any thing in the outward conduct of men and 
women, which more fully denotes a mind fixed on God its 
maker for support and countenance, while passing through the 
changes and vicissitudes of this mortal life. The subject spread 
and led to communication, and opened to a large field of doctrine, 
in which the gospel was preached in the authority of truth, and 
a very comfortable solemnity covered the meeting. 

Third day. Attended the funeral of an acquaintance, a con- 
vinced person ; it being his request on his death-bed ; and also 
that a meeting might be held at his funeral. It was accordingly 
so ordered, and proved a very solemn affecting season, particularly 
so to the near comiexions of the deceased. The Lord was gra- 
ciously near, furnishing ability to bear ample testimony to many 
truths of the gospel. The people were very attentive, and many 
hearts were broken and contrited, and the Lord's name and power 
exalted over all. 

Seventh day. The three preceding days I attended our quar- 
terly meeting, which was held at this time at Flushing. The 
meeting of Ministers and Elders, and the meeting for discipline 
were very trying heart-searching seasons. The meeting for 
worship was a quiet favoured meeting. We had great cause to 
acknowledge the goodness and continued mercy of Israel's Shep- 
herd, who not only furnished wisdom and ability to search out 



156 JOURNAL OP 

the hidden things of Esau, or the first nature ; and to set judg- 
ment upon the head of the transgressing nature, in those meet- 
ings set apart for the well-ordering of the affairs of the church : 
but also graciously condescended in the closing meeting held for 
worship, to gladden our hearts by the effusions of his love, 
causing the light of his countenance to shine upon us. The 
minds of the faithful were influenced to return thanksgiving and 
praise to his ever adorable name, who remains to be " God over 
all, blessed for ever." 

First day. Sat our meeting in silence, and was much inter- 
rupted by the intrusion of unprofitable thoughts, against which 
I had to struggle through most part of the meeting. 

Second and third days. Spent in my necessary avocations ; 
but not without considerable fear attending, lest my temporal 
concerns too much intrude and indispose my mind for heavenly 
meditations. Nothing material occurred the rest of the week. 

First day. Silence as to words sealed my lips through the 
meeting again to-day ; and may they remain shut in all our 
solemn meetings, unless opened by the key of David. 

In the course of this week I attended the funerals of two 
Friends ; at both of which meetings were held. In the first, my 
mind was largely opened on the subject of religion ; wherein I 
was led to show to the auditory, that a right consideration and 
frequent remembrance of our latter end, tended to lead into the 
realities thereof; which consist in nothing but acts of real obedi- 
ence and humble submission to the manifested will of our hea- 
venly Father, through the inspiration of his grace and light in 
our own hearts. As we are careful to have this in our daily 
experience, it qualifies to answer the great end for which we were 
created, to glorify God and enjoy him ; and be thereby pre- 
pared to meet death with an even and tranquil mind, having 
known its sting, which is sin, taken away by the death of the 
cross. I was also led to expose the doctrine of personal and un- 
conditional predestination and election ; and to show the fallacy 
and inconsistency thereof with the divine character. 

In the latter meeting I was concerned to show the dangerous 
and hurtful tendency of our submitting to be led and governed 



ELIAS HICKS. 157 

by the customs and manners of others, without a strict and care 
fill examination thereof; and bringing them to the test of the 
light in our own conscience. For although the frequency of a 
thing, and an habitual conformity to that which is not right, 
often blunts the edge of conviction, and reconciles us to that 
which is contrary to truth, and derogatory to our true interest ; 
yet the custom of sinning will not lessen its guilt. For in the 
awful day of final decision, all our fig-leaf coverings will be torn 
off, and things will then appear as they really are ; and we shall 
all stand in need of that substantial covering, represented by the 
coats of skins, which the Lord made for our first parents, and gave 
them in lieu of their fig-leaves ; that is, something of their own 
inventing, that so their nakedness might no longer be exposed. 

My mind was also opened to set forth the design and end of 
the shadowy or law dispensation ; and that by its consistency 
and harmony in all its parts, it was a just figure and representa- 
tion of the gospel state and- dispensation. Many of its precepts 
were not good, nor consistent with the justice and mercy of the 
all-beneficent and gracious Jehovah ; but were only so, as they 
stood in relation to the very low, degraded and wicked state of 
mankind at that time ; and were therefore justly suited to Israel's 
state, and the states and conditions of the surrounding nations 
concerned therein, as saith Ezekiel : " Wherefore I gave them 
also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they 
should not live." 

First day, the 14th of 11th month. Attended Cow Neck 
meeting to satisfaction. 

The rest of this week I spent at home, being closely engaged 
in business, and in making preparation for the more comfortable 
accommodation of my stock through the inclemency of the ap- 
proaching winter ; considering that a merciful man is merciful 
to his beast ; and as I consider it not right to keep in my posses- 
sion, and under my immediate notice, any more of the animal 
creation than I can render reasonably comfortable. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, in which my 
mind was engaged to show the great benefit that would result to 
society, and to its members as individuals, by a right exercise 



158 JOURNAL OF 

and faithful execution of our discipline, without fear or favour ; 
and that some cases of disorder in an individual might turn up, 
which, with its attendant circumstances, might render it not only 
.necessary to disown the person, but would also prove more to his 
true interest, and the advancement of the cause and testimonies 
that we as a people are engaged in, than the reception of any 
untimely or unseasonable acknowledgment could possibly be. 
For I have always considered it required, not only deep and solid 
consideration, but suitable time of waiting, in order rightly to 
qualify a person to make an acknowledgment for an offence com- 
mitted against a religious society. 

First day. My mind was closely engaged, and largely opened, 
to show the inconsistency and unrighteousness of a conformity 
to the vain and foolish customs of the world; demonstrating 
from the scriptures, that in all ages since the fall of our first 
parents, the customs of men and women in their natural estate, 
were vain, and that there was a certain degree of wickedness 
attached to every vanity; hence the necessity of our carefully 
guarding against the conformity to any custom or tradition, until 
we have first brought it to the test of the light in our own con- 
sciences, and the reason of things ; and also to its consistency 
with the precepts and example of our Lord Jesus Christ : and 
if relating to our duty towards our fellow creatures, examine 
whether it comports with that most excellent rule given by him 
as a criterion of conduct : " All things whatsoever ye would that 
men should do to you, do ye even so to them ; for this is the law 
and the prophets." 

Second, third, and fourth days. Nothing particular occurred. 
On fifth day I was invited to the funeral of a friend who was a 
member of Bethpage particular meeting, which I attended. 
After the interment a solemn meeting was held, in which my 
mind was largely opened to set forth to the people, the great 
necessity, as well as wisdom and propriety, of an early preparation 
for death ; and showing them the way whereby it could only be 
rightly effected. It was a season of renewed \ isitation to a rem- 
nant, and many hearts were broken and contrited. 



E3LIAS HICKS. 159 



CHAPTER VII. 

Engagements at and about home, 1813 and 1814. 

First day, the 28th of 11th month, 1813. Feeling my mind 
drawn last evening and this morning to attend Friends' meeting 
at Martinicock, I submitted thereto and went alone. In the 
forepart of the meeting, I had to combat a spirit of ease and 
stupefaction, which is generally prevalent among the worldly- 
minded, although they may be pretty steady in attending meet- 
ings ; yet it is to be feared with little or no profit, if it be true 
what the beloved apostle has affirmed, that : " If any man love 
the world, the love of the Father is not in him." In the latter 
part of the meeting I was led to view the excellency of the pacific 
principles of the gospel, as promulgated by Jesus Christ and his 
apostles ; and to show to the people, the very great and essential 
benefit and blessing which would result to the professors of 
Christianity by a strict adherence and submission thereunto ; as 
they stand in direct opposition to the spirit of violence and war, 
and breathe forth nothing but peace on earth and good will to 
men. It proved through mercy a season of favour ; many hearts 
were contrited, and the faithful and poor in spirit comforted and 
strengthened; and my own mind inspired with gratitude and 
thankfulness for such unmerited mercy. 

First day, the 5th of 12th month. The six working days of 
last week were principally spent in my worldly concerns, except 
attending our fifth day meeting, and the Charity Society meeting 
yesterday ; an institution of Friends for educating the children 
of poor black people. Our funds, agreeably to the last report of 
a settlement with the Treasurer, amount to upwards of thirteen 
hundred dollars ; the interest of which is yearly expended for the 



160 JOURNAL OF 

above purpose, by a committee of the Society, who superintend 
the educating of said children. The directors of the Society are 
limited to thirty members, who meet quarterly for the promotion 
and oversight of the institution. I attended our fifth day meet- 
ing in silence, and sat our meeting in like manner to-day, in 
poverty of spirit, which terminated in a peaceful close. 

First day, the 1 2th of 12th month. At our meeting to-day, 
my mind was largely opened to set forth before the people the 
difference between the law state and that of the gospel. It was, 
I trust, an instructive edifying season, worthy of grateful remem- 
brance. 

Second day afternoon I rode to New- York, in order to attend 
the meeting for sufferings to be held there the next day. It 
opened at the ninth hour. We got through the business at two 
sittings, and closed in the evening. Fourth day afternoon I rode 
home. Fifth day was our monthly meeting. The meeting for 
worship was, I think, a favoured comfortable season ; and the 
testimonies communicated instructive and edifying : such repeated 
favoured seasons make it evident beyond controversy, that we are 
still a highly favoured people, and shall be accountable according 
to the manifold mercies and blessings bestowed upon us : and 
we have great cause often to query, like the psalmist formerly, 
" What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards 
me ;" for his mercies are new every morning ; great is his 
faithfulness. 

Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my ordinary concerns ; 
yet, I trust, my mind was preserved in a state of watchfulness 
and care, that what I do, even in my temporal business, may all 
be done to the glory of God, and be useful to myself and to 
my fellow creatures. 

First day, the 19th of 12th month. While silently musing in 
our meeting towards the latter part, a subject opened which led to 
the necessity of communication, wherein that petition in the 
prayer our Lord taught his disciples, viz : " Thy kingdom come; 
thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven ;" was opened to the 
audience; and the necessity of our individually witnessing it ful- 
filled in us, as the only medium through which we can obtain 



ELIAS HICKS. 161 

salvation, and a preparation for the kingdom of heaven. This 
was pressed upon the people, showing from the analogy of things, 
that as there is nothing but the Lord's will done in heaven, a 
soul that is not reconciled thereto, cannot enter therein, nor par- 
take of its celestial enjoyment. 

The rest of the week was carefully employed in my household 
concerns, with the attendance of our fifth day meeting, agreea- 
bly to my invariable practice when at home, if not p-e vented by 
indisposition. It was a quiet comfortable meeting. 

Sixth day. Attended the funeral of our honest friend Richard 
Townsend. There was a large collection of Friends and neigh- 
bours, he being generally esteemed. A meeting was held on the 
occasion, which proved a very solemn season. The people's 
attention was called to the necessity of a timely preparation for 
death, in a large arousing testimony ; setting forth the great and 
singular advantages which would redound to the children of 
men, by their obtaining right ideas and apprehensions of God. 
The want of these left them to be led away into a belief of many 
strange and ideal notions concerning him, particularly that of 
foreordination ; the inconsistency of which, my mind was led to 
unfold to the auditory, by this and other undeniable arguments* — 
that, as God's ordination^ and God's creation, and God's will, are 
always in perfect unison, and cannot be diverse one from the 
other ; and as all that he wills and creates is immutably good, 
agreeably to his own declaration in the work, of creation ; hence, 
whatever he ordains must likewise be immutably good: there- 
fore, if there is any such thing as sin and iniquity in the world, 
then God has neither willed it, nor ordained it; as it is impossible 
for him to will contradictions. And secondly, if he has, previous 
to man's creation, willed and determined all his actions, then 
certainly every man stands in the same state of acceptance with 
him, and a universal salvation must certainly take place ; which 
I eonceive the favourers of foreordination would be as unwillino- 
as myself to believe. And moreover, if man was not vested with 
the power of free agency, and a liberty of determining his own 
will, in relation to a choice of good or evil, he could not be an 
accountable creature ; neither would it be in his power to commit 

21 



162 



JOURNAL OF 



sin. It was a time of favour, and the Lord's blessing 'on the 
labours of the day was reverently supplicated. O, saith my soul, 
may they have the desired effect. 

First day, the 26th of 12th month. Sat the greater part of 
our meeting in much weakness and poverty of spirit, to which I 
felt perfectly resigned, believing it to be agreeable to the Lord's 
will. But towards the close an honest elderly Friend, though 
young and small in such service, expressed a sentence or two 
accompanied with a degree of life, which seemed to give spring 
to a concern on my mind, which led to communication. The 
subject which opened was to show, that plainness and simplicity 
were the true marks and badges of the Lord's people and children 
in every age of the world, witnessed to by the true nature and 
analogy of all things in the universe ; and confirmed by the 
testimony of the grace and good spirit of God through his ser- 
vants in all the generations of mankind. The youth were ex- 
horted and tenderly invited to submit to the cross of Christ, 
with the assurance assented to by the experience of all the faith- 
ful ; that if they bowed willingly to his yoke, it would become 
not only easy but delightful. But alas ! how true is that decla- 
ration of the prophet: "who hath believed our report, and to 
whom is the arm of the Lord revealed ?" Certainly to none but 
the obedient, which number, if we are to judge by their fruits, is 
doubtless very small. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Spent mostly in my temporal 
business, but not without a watchful care lest it should engage 
too much of my attention. The evenings were partly spent in 
reading the scriptures, in which I greatly delight. How excel- 
lent are those records ! although old, yet they seem ever new. 
The prophecy of Micah was a part of my present reading ; what 
a dignified sense and clear view he had of the gospel state and 
worship; and how exceedingly it lessened the service and worship 
of the law in his view, in the clear sense given him of its full 
and complete abolishment, with all its shadowy rituals ; when 
he was led to set forth its insufficiency, in this exalted language: 
"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself 
before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt- 



ELIAS HICKS. 163 

offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased 
with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil 7 
Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my 
body for the sin of my soul V No, none, nor all of these were 
sufficient to give access to the divine presence, or to the divine 
law under the gospel ; they being only shadows, and therefore 
could only give access to the outward law and outward lawgiver 
Moses, and the law and ordinances given by him; which were 
also shadows of the true substance. For Moses, and his outward 
law and ordinances, stood in the same relation to outward Israel, 
under the shadowy dispensation, as Christ the spiritual Moses, 
with his spiritual law written in the _ heart, does to his spiritual 
Israel under the gospel ; " which is a dispensation not" of shadow, 
but of substance ; as is clearly shown by the sequel of the testi- 
mony of Micah above alluded to, where he goes on as follows : 
" He hath showed thee, O man, what is good ;" then certainly 
not shadow nor sign, but real substance, " and what doth the 
Lord require of thee," not only by an outward, but by his inward, 
divine law, "but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk 
humbly with thy God." This is the sum and substance of all 
true religion and worship, and needs not the continuance of any 
outward elementary washings or eatings or drinkings ; but opens 
to the necessity of our drinking at that spiritual river, the streams 
whereof make glad the whole heritage of God. For those that 
drink thereof will never thirst again, at least for the water of any 
other stream. 

Fifth day. Sat our meeting to-day in silence. It is not 
unpleasant to feel ourselves sometimes circumstanced as Morde- 
cai formerly, sitting at the king's gate, and, in its season, is as 
grateful to the truly humble and submissive mind, as riding on 
the king's horse, and all bowing before us. 

First day, the 2d of 1st month, 1814. Another year is ended. 
Oh my soul, how hast thou improved it, and what progress hast 
thou made in thy heavenly journey? As I sat in our meeting 
to-day, my mind was led to contrast the law and gospel, or 
shadow and substance. " While I was musing the fire burned," 
and my heart became warmed within me ; " then spake I with 



164 JOURNAL OF 

my tongue," and endeavoured in a zeal for the Lord's cause, to 
open to the people, the superiour excellency of the gospel, above 
and beyond that of the law, as set forth by the precepts, doctrines, 
example and commands of our great and gracious lawgiver Jesus 
Christ. The life rose towards the close of the meeting into a good 
degree of dominion, through hard labour and toil. For many 
professors lie so securely in their graves, that nothing short of the 
powerful voice that raised Lazarus formerly, is sufficient to 
quicken and raise them therefrom. 

Second day. This day principally spent in making provision 
more favourably to meet the inclemency of the ensuing winter. 

Third day. Spent as yesterday. In the evening read Thomas 
Ellwood's relation of his sufferings and cruel usage from his 
father, because, for conscience' sake, he could not pull off his hat 
and stand bare before him ; and for using the plain language of 
thou and thee, instead of the plural you. Alas ! what a spirit of 
pride, arrogance and cruelty governs the children of men, while 
living in the lusts of their fallen nature, estranged from God 
and from his true nature and image. And it is to be feared 
that many in' this day, who profess to be the successors of those 
primitive sufferers, our worthy predecessors, who stood faithful, 
and patiently bore the burden and heat of the day, through 
many years of cruel persecution, are now turning back like 
a broken bow ; and through the fear or favour of men, are 
disregarding the testimonies which their forefathers in the truth 
purchased at so dear a rate ; and are ready to account many of 
them but small, or as indifferent things, which may, or may not, 
be attended to at their own pleasure. But alas for these, it is to 
be feared they will never have a view, much less be permitted 
to enter the promised land, the heavenly Canaan : but. will fall 
in the wilderness as did the unbelieving and rebellious in former 
ages. I often mourn and take up a lamentation, when I behold 
the children of believing parents, turning aside, disobedient to 
their parents, and disregarding the I ra\ ail mid exercise of their con- 
cerned Friends, who are labouring for their return : but those who 
are faithful to give the watchword in season, will be clear of their 
blood, and the Lord will be clear. For he will have a people, 



ELIAS HICKS. 165 

and, as formerly, will send his servants into the highways and 
hedges, and gather from thence, that his house may be filled: 
but those children of the kingdom, who are making excuses, and 
will not come when they are bidden, will be cast out into outer 
darkness, where will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

Fourth day. I was occupied, as a carpenter, in making some 
conveniences for my stock. I felt wearied at evening with the 
labour of the day, but was comforted with a peaceful mind, feel- 
ing myself at peace with all men. A blessed privilege ; it is the 
Lord's doing, and marvellous in mine eyes. 

Seventh day. Attended the funeral of an ancient Friend. A 
meeting was held on the occasion, wherein I was exercised in a 
large arousing testimony suited to the occasion. May it be to 
the honest inquirers, as a nail fastened in a sure place; and to 
those who yet remain unwilling to surrender, as bread cast upon 
the waters, found after man}- days. 

First day, the 9th of 1st month. At om* meeting to-day I was 
led to reflect on my frequent appearances in the ministry at home, 
and ready to wonder why I was led so often to communicate to 
almost the same assembly. But these meditations were soon 
superseded by a renewed living concern, which opened again to 
communication, in a deep searching testimony ; wherein I was 
led to show the fallacy and weakness of all man's creaturely and 
carnal reasoning, that it was all estranged from God, and stood 
in the ignorance and corruption of his fallen nature ; and that 
man never had, nor could have, consistent with his nature as a 
dependent being, a right to assume a power to use his reason at 
his own discretion and will : but only in submission and subser- 
vience to the dictates of the light and spirit of his Creator, as 
paramount both to his reason and animal senses. For his reason 
is given him as an agent under his Creator, to govern and keep 
in due order the animal senses : not according to his own dis- 
cretion and will, but agreeable to the manifestations of the divine 
spirit, or inward law and will, of his heavenly Father. It was 
an humbling season, and many hearts with mine own were 
bowed iu reverence, under the sensible impress of the divine 
power. 



166 JOURNAL OF 

The rest of the week I passed in my usual engagements, and 
in visiting some of my friends. 

First day, the 16th of 1st month. Sat our meeting in silence 
to-day. The three following days I spent in attending to my 
usual avocations, and in visiting two of my sick neighbours. 
One of them was a young man, who was convinced of the truth, 
as held by us, in his young years. He spoke very sensibly of 
the work of truth on his mind in the early part of his convince- 
ment, and of the awe that covered his spirit, through the sensible 
impressions of the divine power ; and recapitulated the precious 
seasons he had witnessed in the fields, sitting on rocks, and 
stumps of trees ; and that he now felt his love to reach forth and 
embrace the whole human family. He appeared to be in a 
sweet and quiet frame of mind, though so weak, as not to be 
able to speak louder than a whisper. What a precious thing it 
is when the youth submit willingly to the visitations of divine 
love in their tender years ; how amiable they appear, and how 
peaceful their close ; a pearl to be valued above all temporal 
enjoyments. 

Fifth day. This being the time of our monthly meeting, we 
had the company of two Friends on a visit to us. One of them 
appeared largely in the line of the ministry, but a fear attended 
my mind, lest he had not sufficiently attended to that command, 
which forbids sowing our ground with mingled seed ; or suffer- 
ing a garment of linen and woollen to come upon us : Oh how 
necessary it is for all those who apprehend they are called to the 
work of the ministry, to know self fully reduced ; otherwise they 
may be in danger of endeavouring to cover the harlot, with the 
Lord's jewels ; and with fair words, and fine speeches, deceive 
the hearts of ihe simple. 

Sixth day. Attended our preparative meeting of Ministers 
and Elders. I had to drop a caution, founded on the failure of 
Moses and Aaron at the rock ; when instead of speaking to it, as 
commanded, Moses smote it with his rod, with the addition of, 
"hear now, ye rebels ; must we fetch you water out of this rock?" 
This act, being the effect of mere ereaturely zeal and warmth 
of natural passions, lost them much ; as it prevented their enter- 



ELIAS HICKS. 167 

ing into the promised land. Oh how needful it is for those who 
are called to stand as a medium between God and the people, 
to be deeply attentive to the word of command, and not add 
thereto, nor diminish therefrom, under the penalty of his dis- 
pleasure. For if he spared not Moses who was only guilty of 
this one fault in his administration, how much less can we expect 
that he will spare us, if we should add to, or diminish from, the 
word of prophecy. 

Seventh day. Assisted a sick neighbour to settle his outward 
business by writing his will and seeing it executed. I then 
endeavoured to stimulate his mind with a concern rightly to 
improve the few remaining moments which might be permitted 
him on this side the grave ; that so he might be prepared to 
meet death with a peaceful and tranquil mind. 

First day, the 23d of 1st month, 1814. Attended Westbury 
meeting,, at which there was a funeral of a deceased ancient 
woman Friend. It was a large meeting. Many Friends and 
neighbours came from a distance to attend the funeral. I had 
good service among them in the line of the ministry, by way of 
caution, encouragement and reproof; and was led to press upon 
the auditory the necessity of a submission of our wills to the 
divine will, as the only medium through which we could become 
qualified to answer the great end of our creation ; which is to 
glorify God and enjoy him. 

Second day. Attended the funeral of a pious young Friend 
of our meeting who departed this life by a consumption, after 
lingering a few months. His corpse was carried into our meet- 
ing-house at Jericho. There was a large meeting on the occa- 
sion, and through the prevalence of the divine power that presided 
over the assembly, it proved a very solemn time. Many hearts 
were broken and contrited by the force of the testimony, which 
went forth powerfully clothed with the demonstration of the spirit, 
and the Lord's name was exalted over all. 

Seventh day. This being the time of our quarterly meeting, 
I was mostly employed through the week in attention thereto. 
It was, I think, through the several sittings a solemn searching 
time. My mind was closely engaged on several subjects apper- 



168 JOURNAL OF 

taining to our Christian testimonies ; but more particularly that 
against war, which was now in the land. Friends, with others, 
were called upon for supplies by way of taxes to carry it on, 
which were levied various ways on the inhabitants. I felt my 
mind deeply engaged to lay before Friends the inconsistency of 
our actively cornplying with any such military requisitions, be- 
lieving that if we did, we should not only become accessaries in 
the war, but should have to bear a part of the guilt of shedding 
the blood of our fellow creatures. The Lord's power was felt to 
preside, and the testimonies borne on the occasion were evidently 
clothed with divine authority, keeping down all opposition. The 
minds of the faithful were inspired with humble gratitude and 
thanksgiving to the Lord our gracious helper, under a renewed 
sense of his continued mercy to us as a people ; and to all the 
workmanship of his holy hand. 

First day, the 30th of 1st month, 1814. As I was sitting in 
our meeting my mind became exercised in contemplating the 
danger that some of my fellow professors of the Christian name 
are exposed to, by placing their dependence for justification and 
salvation on the imputative ? % ighteousness of Christ which he 
performed ivithout them, without coming to know a complete 
remission of their sins, and living a life of righteousness through 
faith in the operation of God, and a submission to the work of 
his spirit in their minds ; by which, according to the apostle's 
exhortation, they can only be enabled to work out their own sal- 
vation with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh in 
the willing and obedient soul, both to will and to do of his own 
good pleasure ; but this can only be witnessed by such as expe- 
rience their own wills to be mortified and slain by the power of 
the cross inwardly revealed, whereby the true spiritual atone- 
ment is made. I was largely opened to communicate on some 
of these subjects ; and to show to the people wherein the true 
harmony between the law dispensation, and (hat of the gospel 
consisted. It was a season worthy of grateful remembrance ; 
the meeting closed with thanksgiving and prayer, under a re- 
newed sense of the Continued nicivv of our gracious God, who is 
over all, blessed for ever. 



ELIAS HICKS. 169 

Second day. Being unwell with a cold I kept house and read. 

Third day. Having the evening before received an invitation 
to attend the funeral of a deceased neighbour about four miles 
distant from my dwelling, and understanding it was the desire 
of the deceased on her death-bed that I would attend ; I felt 
inclined to go, although still unwell. I was glad I gave up 
thereto, as it proved, through heavenly help, a solemn instructive 
season, wherein my heart and mouth were opened to declare 
largely of the way of life and salvation to the people in the clear 
demonstration of truth. The assembly in general were bowed 
and humbled, and many hearts contrited ; to the Lord alone be 
the praise, for to him only it is due. 

Fourth day. Still unwell: mostly kept house. 

Fifth day. Ventured out to our meeting, but was considerably 
afflicted with my cold and cough. The meeting was held in 
silence. 

The two following days, and the forepart of the next week, I 
employed, mostly, in preparing for the press a small treatise on 
slavery ; and on the use of the produce of the labour of slaves. 
I laid it before our meeting for sufferings which met this week ; 
and obtained their concurrence for printing it. As I was in the 
city, I attended Friends' meetings as they came in course on 
fourth and fifth days, and returned home on sixth da}". Nothing 
particular transpired on seventh day. 

First day, the 13th of 2d month. Was largely opened in 
communication on divers subjects in a very searching testimony, 
which brought a covering of great solemnity over the meeting. 
The honest-hearted were comforted : but it was a season of sharp 
reproof to the unfaithful and lukewarm. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which nothing 
opened worthy of particular notice. 

Seventh day. I attended the funeral of the wife of John 
Wine, a Friend of Flushing. We had a very solemn meeting 
on the occasion, in which I was exercised in a large affecting 
testimony, tendering and contriting the hearts of the assembly 
in general. The truth was raised into dominion, breaking down 
all before its influential searching power ; which was cause of 

22 



170 JOURNAL OF 

deep gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord our gracious helper, 
for his unmerited mercy, still dispensed in his longsuffering 
loving kindness to the children of men. 

Feeling my mind inclined to sit with Friends here the next 
day, which was first day, the people were notified thereof at the 
close of the foregoing opportunity. It was a full meeting, in 
which truth favoured and furnished with matter suited to the 
states of those present ; which made it an instructive edifying 
season. The canopy of love was felt to spread sweetly and very 
comfortably over the assembly, and I parted with them in the 
fresh feeling thereof; and with a peaceful mind, and a thankful 
sense of the Lord's mercy. 

Nothing particular occurred in the course of the next week ; 
but the precious savour that was witnessed in the two foremen- 
tioned opportunities, remained as a canopy over my mind, and 
was cause of humble gratitude and thankfulness to the blessed 
Author of all our rich mercies and blessings. 

First day, the 27th of 2d month. My mind, in our meeting 
to-day, after a considerable time of humble quiet waiting, and 
seeking to be gathered to Shiloh, was led in prospect to view the 
great and singular advantages which would redound to the chil- 
dren of men by an early acquaintance with the Lord ; and by 
continually looking to him, and relying on him, as the primary 
and only object of their faith and hope. The prospect enlarged 
and opened to a communication, and the truth was raised into a 
comfortable degree of dominion, and spread a solemn covering 
over the assembly ; and many hearts were contrited and made 
glad from a feeling sense of the Lord's mercy vouchsafed to us 
at this season. O how good is the Lord, and how grea'tly to be 
praised, for his mercy endureth for ever. 

The rest of this week I was occupied in my temporal concerns. 
Sat our fifth day meeting in silence, in which I had to maintain 
a steady warfare against the intrusion of unprofitable thoughts. 
O how precious it is to be favoured to gain a complete victory over 
these, and to have the mind brought to witness a profound still- 
ness, where nothing reigns but Jesus, in his inward spiritual 
government. 



ELIAS HICKS. 171 

First day, the 6th of 3d month. In our meeting to-day I had 
again to bear testimony against the prevailing evils of the day ; 
some of which I had to expose, and to show how we must enter 
the church militant, if ever we enter right, and become useful 
members thereof, and be truly comforted and profited thereby. 
The communication was introduced by the parable of the supper, 
which shows that those who have something of the pleasures 
and treasures of this world to gratify and comfort themselves with, 
will not come in, although invited : but those who are brought 
to a full sense of their wretched and forlorn condition, without 
God and without a Saviour, compared, in the parable, to those 
who are poor and destitute of every comfort, and scattered in the 
highways and hedges, will seek a place of refuge ; and having 
tried every means they had in their power, and every invention 
that man has sought out in the way of salvation, and after all 
finding themselves still left in a state of disappointment, are made 
willing to surrender all up, and sell all ; that so they may be 
enabled to purchase the field wherein the pearl of great price 
lies. The word went forth with power, and struck home to 
many minds, and a very solemn weight appeared to cover the 
assembly in general. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Spent in a quiet attention to 
my temporal concerns with the attendant blessing of peace of 
mind ; yet not without some intervals of interruption from the 
loose and the vain, with which this neighbourhood is too much 
disturbed. Alas, what has so gained the ascendency in and over 
the mind of man, as to cause him to delight and take pleasure in 
wickedness. 

Fifth day. Was our preparative meeting, in which the over- 
seers brought forward information against one of our members, a 
young man, for deviations from plainness, and being guilty of 
attending horse races, and suffering his horse to run for a wager ; 
all which manifest a very thoughtless disposition, and much 
vanity of mind, very unworthy the least member in our commu- 
nity. The meeting felt tenderly for him. as he had not had a 
guarded education ; he being left an orphan, when small, by the 
death of his father. In considering his condition, I was induced 



172 



JOURNAL OF 



to enlist myself voluntarily in the meeting's service, to pay him 
a visit; and the meeting added another Friend to join me therein. 
I was likewise engaged in the meeting for worship, to call Friends' 
attention to the necessity of greater purification both in body, 
soul, and spirit ; as the only medium through which we could 
gain an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. I showed by 
the analogy of reason, that a purified soul could not be content 
to inhabit a polluted body ; and that if the inside was made clean, 
the outside would be clean also; and that true and genuine 
Christianity will lead to cleanliness in our persons, in our houses, 
and in all our concerns. All this will proceed from real love and 
duty to our Creator, and not from any germ of pride, or vainly 
to make a show, but from a real desire of effecting holiness in 
the fear of the Lord. 

First day, the 13th. A comfortable meeting to-day, mostly 
in silence, but closed with solemn supplication, wherein I 
was led to set forth how our gracious and beneficent Creator, 
although he sees all our wants, and stands always disposed, 
before we ask him, to redress all our real grievances, and dispense 
good to us whenever he finds us in a condition fit to receive : 
yet as he is a God of justice and truth, he delights to see his 
people and children grateful and humbly sensible of their depend- 
ence on him for every blessing ; therefore, he permits them, at 
times, when he sees meet to influence their minds thereto, to 
approach his sacred presence in humble and devout prayer, and 
which also affords to those who are thus devoted, sweet and 
heavenly consolation and joy. 

I passed this week mostly at home overseeing my temporal 
concerns. Attended our monthly meeting on fifth day, at which 
Ave received information, from the women's meeting, of the depar- 
ture of one of our members, a young woman, who had gone out 
in her marriage with one not a member, whom they concluded 
ought to be disowned; with which the men's meeting concurred. 
This is a weakness among our young members, which is, in 
general, very pernicious in its consequences, and too often hap- 
pens through the neglect of care and right concern in parents 
and guardians, who, for want of living near the truth, and under 



ELIAS HICKS. 173 

right religious engagements themselves, are too often led away 
to seek after riches for their children, and are more desirous that 
their children should obtain companions who are wealthy and 
rich in this world's treasure, than such as are truly religious and 
virtuous. Thus a foundation is often laid, by such indiscreet 
parents, for many very unhappy connexions, by which the reli- 
gious improvement and advancement of their tender offspring is 
often entirely intercepted and prevented, and their prospects of 
temporal comfort and joy rendered abortive ; and they have to 
drag out a miserable existence until death dissolves their obli- 
gations. 

First day, the 20th. As I sat in our meeting my mind was 
brought under exercise in taking a view of the life of Solomon, 
that wise king of Israel, as delineated by his own pen ; and from 
which we learn the insignificance of all consolation and joy 
which have their source in temporal and mortal things, as they 
must and will end, in vanity and vexation of spirit : and that to 
fear God and keep his commandments, is not only the whole 
duty of man, but likewise the only blessed and eternal source of 
all true joy and never ending felicity. The subject spread on 
my mind and led to communication, in which I endeavoured, in 
the ability afforded, by persuasive arguments, to engage the minds 
of the auditory, both old and young, in the pursuit of that invalua- 
ble treasure that waxeth not old, but endureth for ever, which 
will bring true joy to the immortal soul and adds no sorrow. 

Nothing particular occurred in the course of this week, except 
that a care and fear attended my mind, lest the cares of this world 
and the increase of temporal things might too much interrupt, and 
intrude, upon my spiritual concerns ; for riches are ever deceitful, 
and always promise more than they have in their power to perform. 

First day, the 27th. Feeling my mind inclined to sit with 
Friends at Bethpage to day, I yielded to the motion and attended 
their meeting ; and although I had not a great deal to commu- 
nicate, yet what I had, appeared to reach home to many minds, 
and rendered it a comfortable meeting, not only to myself, but to 
the assembly in general. The subject which opened for com- 
munication was the necessity and excellency of integrity ; and 



174 JOURNAL OP 

that although we might be so wise and knowing as to compre- 
hend all knowledge, yet if we were destitute of integrity and 
sincerity of heart, we should but share the fate of fools at last, 
and be not a whit better for all our wisdom and knowledge. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Spent in close attention to 
my temporal concerns, the care for which, and for their right 
ordering, is constantly necessary ; insomuch that I often wonder 
how it is, that I sometimes hear people say, they seem at a loss 
how to spend their time ; when not only my temporal, but in an 
especial manner my spiritual concerns, are always urgent and 
pressing ; so that I find not a moment to be idle : so true is that 
declaration of the Most High verified : "In the sweat of thy face 
shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground ; for out 
of it wast thou taken : for dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou 
return." The wise man also saith : "All things are full of 
labour" therefore we ought not to repine or murmur at our lot, but 
receive all, as at the hand of the Lord with thanksgiving. 

Fifth, sixth, and seventh days. I attended three funerals, one 
on each day successively. The first was a very ancient female, 
upwards of ninety years of age, belonging to Westbury meeting. 
We had a solemn meeting on the occasion, in which truth favoured, 
opening suitable doctrine, and bringing it home to the states of 
those present, who were mostly Friends. The hidden things 
of Esau, or the first nature, and the secret lurking places of self, 
were searched out and exposed ; for which my mind, with the 
honest-hearted present, was made glad in the Lord, and in the 
apparent working of his power and wisdom. The two last 
were not members of our society, but were favourably disposed 
to Friends. They were seasons of favour. A meeting, was 
held at each, and both largely attended by the neighbouring 
inhabitants. The doctrines delivered were well adapted to the 
conditions of the hearers, and were brought home to many minds 
in the demonstration of truth, breaking and contriting many 
hearts ; and thanksgiving and praises were returned to the 
Shepherd of Israel, as a tribute of gratitude for such unmerited 
mercies. 

First day, the 3d of 4th month. Our meeting to-day was 



ELIAS HICKS. 175 

favoured with the overshadowing wing of divine truth, and its 
power exalted over all, contriting and comforting many minds. 
But alas, what small advancements are made by many of those 
who are often dug about and watered by the compassionate 
Shepherd of Israel, whose mercy is still eminently dispensed to 
man, the workmanship of his holy hand. 

I attended two funerals in the course of this week, one on fifth 
day, after the sitting of our preparative meeting, and the other on 
sixth day. Both were young men in the prime of life. The 
latter unmarried, and was a relation to my wife. His parents 
had a healthful family of children, and had never met with the 
like trial before. It was therefore a very affecting scene both to 
them and their children ; they having been before favoured with 
almost an unbroken scene of worldly prosperity, which made the 
wound sink deeper. We had a very solemn meeting on the 
occasion, wherein I was largely opened to preach the gospel in 
the demonstration of truth ; and among other things to show to 
the people, the necessity and sure felicity of an early preparation 
for death ; and that God was the alone proper object for man to 
set his heart and affections upon. The auditory were mostly 
not in membership with Friends. Many of them were much 
broken and contrited, and a general, and very precious solemnity 
was spread over the meeting. The hearts of many were made 
glad, from a sense of the Lord's continued and unmerited good- 
ness and mercy to the children of men ; still showing his unwil- 
lingness that any should die in their sins, and that all might 
repent, turn to him and live. 

First day, the 10th. I had a hard suffering meeting to-day, 
in which I witnessed not only deep inward poverty, but had to 
struggle with unprofitable thoughts, with very little ability to 
maintain the warfare ; yet, under the consideration that it was 
altogether as good, if not better, than my deserts could justly 
require, I was preserved from murmuring or complaining at my 
lot, being willing to receive evil as well as good, at the hand of 
my gracious and compassionate Lord, when he sees meet to per- 
mit or dispense it. " Shall we receive good at the hand of God, 
and shall we not evil ?" 



176 Journal of 

The rest of this week was principally occupied in a close 
application to my temporal concerns, except attending our 
monthly and select preparative meetings, which came at this 
time. My belief was similar to the apostle's, that he who is not 
carefully industrious to labour for his own and household's com- 
fortable support, may be considered to have denied the faith, and 
is worse than an infidel ; as they are generally careful on those 
accounts. 

First day, the 17th. The meeting to-day was pretty open and 
comfortable. The rest of the week was mostly taken up in 
attending our quarterly meeting, held at New-York at this time. 

First day, the 24th. Sat our meeting mostly in silence. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Were taken up principally 
in caring for my temporal concerns. Alas, how much precious 
time is expended for the accommodation of those houses of clay, 
which must shortly return to ihe dust from whence they were 
taken; and which often burden, and too much indispose the 
mind for heavenly and spiritual meditations, unless carefully 
watched and strongly guarded against. 

Fifth day. I was wholly silent in our meeting to-day ; in the 
course of which I had full evidence of the truth of that saying of 
the great Master, that of ourselves, without him, we can do 
nothing. 

Sixth and seventh days. Were accompanied with heart 
searchings, discouragement, and disma3 ,r ; in which I witnessed 
the truth of that saying, that vain is the help of man, whose 
efforts often tend more to sully and weaken, than to brighten 
and strengthen the minds of those they strive to help. This is 
principally owing to their dwelling on the surface, and judging 
from the outward appearance, instead of digging deep in search 
of the mind of truth, which only can enable to judge with righ- 
teous judgment. 

First day, the 1st of 5th month. Sat our meeting in silence, 
and in much poverty of spirit ; and when the season for closing 
the meeting seemed near at hand, 1 looked over the assembly, 
which was pretty large, with a degree of sympathy and commi- 
seration, which brought to my remembrance the compassionate 



ELIAS HICKS. 177 

saying of o^r Lord to his disciples, on, as I apprehended, a simi- 
lar occasion, viz : " If I send them away fasting to their own 
houses, they will faint by the way." This put a stop to my mind 
with regard to closing the meeting; and as I knew I had nothing 
to give, I looked around to see what was to be done. A friend 
then stood up with something comparable to the five loaves and 
the two fishes, which were found formerly in the lad's basket. 
As they were broken, she handed them to the company, until all 
appeared satisfied ; for which I was thankful. 

Seventh day. The week hath passed away. Oh time, pre- 
cious time, how swift thou passest on, by us almost unenjoyed 
and unimproved ! How soon thou wilt land thy travelling pil- 
grim in the house appointed for all living ; where, oh my soul, 
thou knowest there is no repentance nor amendment known ! 
Prepare then, oh prepare, for thy final change ! 

First day, the 8th of 5th month. A poor silent meeting until 
near the close, when a little light sprang up and dispelled the 
darkness, and sweetened all the bitter. By such things we are 
instructed, and learn to know our dependent state, and that it is 
the Lord's doings, and marvellous in our eyes. 

Nothing uncommon transpired in the course of this week, 
save as usual, bonds and afflictions for the gospel's sake, spiritu- 
ally and inwardly experienced, await me; from a view and 
sense of the spread of evil, and the great want of faithful testi- 
mony-bearers in society ; and the languor and weakness which 
abound ; that I am sometimes almost involuntarily led to cry, 
alas for the day. 

First day, the 15th. My mind was deeply exercised in our 
meeting to-day on divers important subjects, and largely led forth 
in communication : but for want of a more full openness and 
preparation in the auditory to receive, the labour was arduous 
and exercising, yet I trust profitable to some. 

The rest of the week was employed in my usual attention to 
my necessary temporal concerns, and an unfailing attention to 
those of a religious nature. Our monthly meeting was held this 
week. The meeting for Ministers and Elders belonging to the 
yearly meeting was held on seventh day, at the tenth hour, 

23 



178 JOURNAL OF 

which my wife and myself attended. It was, I thiiH>, in a good 
degree a favoured time ; as were the public meetings on first day, 
both forenoon and afternoon. On second day the yearly meeting 
for discipline opened at the tenth hour, and continued by adjourn- 
ments until fifth day evening. It was for the most part a com- 
fortable profitable season, evidencing in the several sittings, that 
the Lord had not forsaken his people, but was still graciously 
manifesting his presence and power for our comfort and help, in 
ordering the affairs of the Church. On sixth day Friends turned 
their faces towards home, where I arrived at evening with my 
wife and two youngest daughters, who constitute my present 
family, except servants. 

The next day I felt myself in a cheerful readiness to put my 
hands to whatever they found to do, as right to be done. 

First day, the 29th. Felt myself so much indisposed with a 
cold and considerable pain of body, as to be prevented from at- 
tending our meeting to-day ; in reflecting thereon, and how very 
seldom I had been thus prevented for many years past, my mind 
was filled with gratitude and thankfulness to our gracious Helper 
and Preserver, for the portion of bodily health allotted me in the 
course of his divine providence ; whereby, I have been almost 
invariably of ability of body for a number of years, to attend all 
our religious meetings, which I consider and number among our 
chiefest blessings and benefits. 

The latter end of this week I joined our friend William Flan- 
ner, who was here on a religious visit from Ohio ; and attended 
a number of meetings in divers places, where no meetings of our 
society were held. I had had a prospect of visiting those places 
some time before. We w T ere out three days and attended five 
meetings. The first was with Friends at Bethpage, the rest 
among people inclining to Friends, and those of other professions. 
They were, I think, all favoured seasons. The Lord's presence 
and power were manifested for our help, furnishing ability to 
minister suitably to the different states of the people, in the de- 
monstration of the spirit. Many hearts were humbled and con- 
trited, and the assemblies solemnized, and truth raised into 
dominion over all ; and our hearts were made glad under an 



ELIAS HICKS. 179 

humbling sense of the continuation of the Lord's mercy and 
compassion, still extended to the children of men. We returned 
home on first day evening, the 5th of 6th month. 

The three following days I was about home, mostly employed 
in my temporal concerns. 

On sixth day attended the funeral of a friend of Westbury 
meeting. It was a solemn time, in which I found it my place 
to be an example of silence. Seventh day spent at home. On 
first day, the 12th of 6th month, I attended two meetings, by 
appointment, among those not of our society. One in the morn- 
ing at Cold Spring, and the other at four o'clock in the afternoon 
at Huntington. They were both seasons of extensive labour, 
and I hope profitable to some ; and productive of peace to my own 
mind. 

On second day I went to New- York in order to attend the 
meeting for suffe rings, which I accordingly attended the next 
day, and returned home at evening. On fourth day attended to 
my temporal concerns with usual industry. 

Fifth day attended our monthly meeting, at which several 
matters occurred producing exercise to my mind, which led to a 
communication of prospects ; and although some diversity of 
sentiment was expressed, yet I was favoured so to unfold the 
subjects, that they were concluded in a general unity. 

Sixth and seventh days. . Spent in attending to my usual 
affairs. 

First day, the 19th of 6th month. I was led in our meeting 
to-day, to set forth the excellency of real poverty of spirit ; as it 
is that only, which can produce that truly humble state, to which 
the blessing is annexed. 

Fifth day. As I was sitting in our meeting enjoying the 
especial advantages which are attached to silent meetings, when 
the mind is silently prostrated at the throne of grace, and helped 
to be sequestered from all intruding thoughts, and wholly cen- 
tered in and upon Jehovah, the alone object of worship and ado- 
ration; a subject opened and spread in a way which led to 
communication ; in which I had to show, that there were but two 
proper motives or inducements for our rightly attending religious 



180 JOURNAL OF 

meetings. The first related to such as were unbelievers, or those 
who were ignorant of the right way of worshipping God in and 
under the dispensation of the gospel, which according to our 
Lord's declaration to the woman of Samaria, is only to be per- 
formed in spirit and in truth. The principal benefit to these, 
is to be informed and instructed ; for which more especially, 
the Lord hath ordained a ministry in his Church, by means of 
instruments rightly qualified therefor, by the baptismal influence 
of the Holy Ghost. The second relates to such as are already 
instructed and informed, whose judgments are convinced, and 
whose motive as it relates to themselves is, to meet together to 
wait upon and worship God in spirit and in truth, without any 
regard or consideration to any external ministry or means what- 
ever : as it is only in a state of entire sequestration from every 
thing of an outward or external nature, that the soul is per- 
mitted to enter into the holy place, not made with hands ; and 
admitted into the immediate presence of Jehovah, and rendered 
capable of worshipping him, in spirit and in truth, as the gospel 
requires. 

Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my usual vocation as a 
farmer. 

First day, the 26th of 6th month. Attended two meetings by 
appointment, among those principally not of our society. The 
first was held in a Friend's house 1 at a place called the Half 
Hollow Hills. The latter at the fourth hour in the afternoon, at 
a village called New Babylon, in the township of Huntington. 
It was held in a school-house, and was a large meeting, mostly 
of the Presbyterian persuasion. The people behaved very soberly, 
becoming the occasion. It was a very solemn favoured season ; 
many hearts were contrited and made thankful for the opportu- 
nity ; and my heart was much enlarged in love to the assembly. 
I trust I felt a mutual return of the same feeling from most 
present, for which I was made thankful to the Shepherd of 
Israel ; and for the continuation of his gracious regard in mani- 
festing his presence, and making bare his arm, for the help of 
his devoted servants ; showing himself indeed to be a God near 
at hand, and a present helper in the needful time, worthy to be 



ELIAS HICKS. 181 

praised and adored by the children of men, throughout all ages, 
world without end. 

The rest of this week I spent mostly about home, being closely 
engaged in making hay, which for want of suitable help, made it 
necessary for me to labour myself, beyond what seemed suitable 
for one of my age ; but I felt peace of mind in so doing, although 
I suffered some pain of body, as the result of my exertion. 

First day, the 3d of 7th month. Sat our meeting in silence. 
At the third hour in the afternoon attended the funeral of a 
deceased neighbour. Although my mind was brought under 
some exercise, which led to communication; yet I found very 
little relief, owing, as I apprehended, to the prevalence of a liber- 
tine spirit in many present. For these are generally disposed to 
mock at, and ridicule every thing serious, or that has the appear- 
ance of religion and godliness : rebellious children who hate the 
light, because their deeds are evil, and who take more delight in 
revelling and drunkenness than in the fear of the Lord. I often 
feel sad for such as these, and my mind goes clothed as it were 
with sackcloth, unseen by the world. O, when will they be 
awakened to a right sense of their miserable condition ! I often 
fear that some of them have nearly sinned out their day ; and to 
whom the scripture declaration will apply : " He that, being often 
reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and 
that without remedy." 

Second, third and fourth days. Busily employed in my hus- 
bandry concerns, with my mind clothed with peace towards all 
men, and with hope towards God my Saviour : and comforted 
at times in the remembrance of that apostolic declaration, where 
it is asserted: " We know that we have passed from death unto 
life, because we love the brethren." 

Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence, the fire being 
low on the altar. 

Sixth and seventh days. Closely engaged in making and 
securing hay for the accommodation of my stock the ensuing 
winter ; as I consider it a duty to provide plenty of good proven- 
der for them, so as to render their lives as comfortable as may be, 
whilst under my care. 



182 JOURNAL OP 

First day, the 10th. As I sat in our meeting to-day, my 
mind was led into a consideration and prospect of the excel- 
lency and amiableness of justice, and of the vast advantage 
which would accrue to the children of men by a strict adherence 
thereto ; as it would greatly tend to regulate our conduct, both 
as it relates to our duty to God our creator, and also to man, our 
fellow creature : and therefore ought to be the governing principle 
and main spring of all our conduct, as well in our temporal, as 
in our spiritual concerns. The subject spread and enlarged and 
opened to communication ; and, I trust, proved an instructive 
comfortable season to some present ; and I felt a reward of peace 
in my labour. 

Second day. Attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour, 
who was not a member of our society, but being convinced 
of our principles, and inclined to Friends, the family desired a 
meeting might be held, which was accordingly agreed to. It 
was a large collection of people of various denominations, and a 
considerable number of the looser sort. I had an open favoured 
time among them, in which the power of truth rose into dominion 
over all, humbling and contriting many hearts, and a general 
solemnity was felt to cover the meeting to the praise of Him, who 
is over all, God blessed for ever. 

Third and fourth days. Occupied in my usual concerns, but 
did not feel that full peace of mind with my fourth day's exercise 
that is generally my experience, owing, as I apprehended, to a 
want of a more full attention to a small intimation respecting 
that day's employment. Remember, oh my soul! that all thy 
success in temporals, as well as all thy sweet inward heavenly 
consolations, depend upon thy faithfulness and ready submission 
to those inward divine intimations ; although sometimes small, 
they ought to be considered by thee, binding and obligatory, as 
the only source from whence all thy true peace and joy are 
derived. 

Fifth day. This was our preparative meeting, and as it was 
the one preceding the quarterly meeting, the queries were read and 
answered; but I apprehended in a way not tending to much 
profit, either by reason of one or two improper questions being 



ELIAS HICKS. 183 

added to the queries of late, which to many Friends appeared 
inconsistent to be answered ; or from the want of a more lively 
spiritual exercise with the members ; or both might have had a 
share in producing a dull distressing season. No way seemed to 
open for any relief, so we had patiently to bear it. And indeed 
I thought it required a large share of patience to sit the meeting 
through without murmuring ; the chariot wheels seemed to go 
very heavily on, as though almost sunk in the slough of despond ; 
but we did what we could, and so left the matter ; and I returned 
home with a heavy heart, and was preserved, I trust, from mur- 
muring at my lot. 

Sixth day. Spent in gathering in my harvest and some other 
small exercises*. The day closed with a quiet and peaceful mind. 
What a paradise it is when this is our lot. 

Seventh day. "Visited two Friends who were under some 
bodily infirmity. The visits were mutually comfortable. Such 
opportunities, when rightly conducted, tend to the increase of 
friendship and mutual love. 



184 JOURNAL OP 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Visit to Purchase, and engagements at and about home, 1814. 

First day, the 17th of 7th month, 1814. Feeling my mind 
drawn to sit with Friends in their meeting at Westbury, I yielded 
to the motion. It proved an exercising meeting — but little 
life to be felt : nevertheless, way opened for a short communica- 
tion, pointing particularly to the state of the meeting, which I 
hope was profitable to some. At the third hour in the afternoon, 
I attended the funeral of a very ancient woman of this neigh- 
bourhood, not a member of our society ; but the family desiring 
the company of Friends, a number collected with others. It 
proved a pretty solemn time. My mind was led to open to the 
assembly, the especial advantages which would result to us, as 
rational accountable beings, by a timely preparation for death ; 
and that it was our especial duty, as well as our best interest, to 
make it, at all times, the primary object of our concern. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Spent principally in family 
cares and my husbandry concerns. What a favour it is for 
such an active creature as man, possessed of such powers of 
body and mind, always to have some employment, and some- 
thing for those powers to act upon : for otherwise they would be 
useless and dormant, and afford neither profit nor delight. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. It was an exer- 
cising season, especially the meeting for worship, which I think 
was much hurt by the communication of a Friend in the minis- 
try, who was this day with us. It was attended with so much 
mere creaturely warmth and animation, as to render it unaccepta- 
ble, and, as I apprehended, hurtful to the meeting, and the cause 
it was intended to advance. What a pity it is that any who 



ELIAS HICKS. 185 

apprehend themselves called to this very important work, should 
make such grievous mistakes, and wound the minds of the living 
sensible members. 

Sixth day. Attended our select preparative meeting of Minis- 
ters and Eiders. It was, I think, a season of profitable exercise, 
in which some of the hidden things of Esau, or the first nature, 
were searched out and exposed. 

Seventh day. Laboured hard in my harvest field ; and, 
although sixty-six years of age, I found I could wield the 
scythe nearly as in the days of my youth. It was a day of 
thankful and delightful contemplation. My heart was filled 
with thankfulness and gratitude to the blessed Author of my 
existence, in a consideration of his providential care over me, in 
preserving me in health, and in the possession of my bodily 
powers ; the exercise of which were still affording me both profit 
and delight: and I was doubly thankful for the continued exer- 
cise of my mental faculties, not only in instructing me how to 
exert and lightly employ my bodily powers> in the most useful 
and advantageous manner, but also in contemplating the works 
of nature and Providence, in the blessings and beauties of the 
field ; a volume containing more delightful and profitable instruc- 
tion, than all the volumes of mere learning and science in the 
world. 

What a vast portion of the joys and comforts of life do the idle 
and slothful deprive themselves of, by running into cities and 
towns, to avoid labouring in the field ; not considering that this 
is one of the principal sources, that the gracious Creator of the 
universe has appointed to his creature man, from whence he may 
derive great temporal happiness and delight. It also opens the 
largest and best field of. exercise to the contemplative mind, by 
which it may be prepared to meet, when this mortal puts on 
immortality, those immortal joys that will ever be the lot of the 
faithful and industrious. 

First day, the 24th of 7th month. I went to our meeting to- 
day in much poverty of spirit, and in full expectation of passing 
it in silence ; but I had not sat long before my mind was led 
into a view of the singular benefit derived to the children of men, 



186 JOURNAL OF 

by the denial of self, and a daily and faithfully taking up, and 
bearing the cross ; as it is the only way by which we can come 
to experience real sanctification and justification. The subject 
spread and opened to communication, in which things were laid 
home to the states of many present, in a clear manner ; and the 
danger of their situations exposed. It brought a solemn covering 
over the meeting, for which I was thankful. 

Second and third days. I spent in securing my harvest. This 
week being the time of our quarterly meeting, the meeting for 
Ministers and Elders opened on fourth day at the tenth hour. It 
was a season of close search ; the deficiencies of Ministers and 
Elders were laid open; and the hurtful tendency thereof exposed. 
A number appeared deeply concerned, on account of the prevail- 
ing weakness of some in those exalted stations in society. On 
fifth day the meeting for discipline was held. It was also a very 
searching time, a season of deep exercise to my mind ; in which 
the hurtful tendency of many apparent deficiencies was laid open 
and exposed ; and Friends exhorted to greater faithfulness and 
diligence, in the right-support of those noble testimonies, given us 
to bear, for the promotion of righteousness and peace on the earth. 
On sixth day was a general public meeting, in which my mind 
was enlarged in gospel communication, wherein truth was 
exalted and raised into dominion, to the comfort and edification 
of many minds ; and to the sweet peace of my own. After this 
Friends separated to their several homes in much nearness of 
affection, and mutual love. 

Seventh day. Spent in my temporal concerns. 

First day, the 31st of 7th month. A silent meeting to-day, 
for which I was thankful. Although faithfully labouring in the 
Lord's vineyard produceth peace and joy to the willing mind, even 
should it have to bear the burden and heat of the day; yet when 
permitted, a season of rest is also sweet and grateful. 

Heaving for some days past felt my mind inclined to attend the 
ensuing quarterly meeting at Purchase, I spent most of this week 
in that service. On second day I left home, and returned on 
the following sixth day at evening. I felt but little satisfaction 
in this short tour of duty, except in one or two visits in Friends' 



ELIAS HICKS. 187 

families. Most of the sittings of the quarterly meeting seemed to 
be clothed with great weakness, and some of them distress- 
ingly so. 

Seventh day. Exercised in my husbandry business ; and the 
evening closed with a peaceful mind. 

First day, the 7th of 8th month. Felt so much bodily indis- 
position as to prevent my attending meeting ; but even this induced 
thankfulness and gratitude, in recollecting how very seldom this 
had been my lot for many years. Oh what shall I, a poor 
worm, render unto the Lord, for all his benefits ! 

Second, third, and fourth days. Spent principally in looking 
to, and overseeing, my temporal business ; and still feeling some 
slight touches of bodily indisposition, which seemed to announce 
this language, in unison with every thing that is mortal, remem- 
ber to die. 

Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting : what a privi- 
lege ! the very name points to care, as saying, " Be ye therefore 
ready." 

Sixth day. Did as Peter and some of his fellow disciples, 
when not directly employed by their Master, but waiting and 
watching for his coming. 

Seventh day. Laboured in the field ; and the day closed with 
a quiet and peaceful mind, which I esteem the greatest treasure. 

First day, the 14th of 8th month. As I sat in our meeting 
to-day, my mind was impressed with the remembrance of the 
declaration of the prophet Isaiah, when reproving the house of 
Israel, under the similitude of a vineyard, for their backsliding 
and breach of covenant and great wickedness, which he closes with 
this notable saying : " Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and 
opened her mouth without measure : and their glory, and their 
multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend 
into it." He showed them thereby the natural tendency of evil, 
and certain destruction of evil doers, who harden themselves in 
sin. The subject opened and led to a large exhortatory and 
cautionary communication ; also setting forth the great obliga- 
tions of parents and guardians to their tender offspring and chil- 
dren under their charge ; and the incalculable loss that children 



IBS JOURNAL OF 

sustain where parents and guardians neglect their duty in timely 
care for their right instruction. It was a solemn time, and I 
hope profitable to some, by stirring them up to more diligence. 

The rest of this week, except attending our monthly meeting 
on fifth day, was spent in close attention to my temporal concerns. 
The urgent necessity attending my present business induced 
me to labour beyond what my judgment approved; which, 
though somewhat painful to the body, was nevertheless, I trust, 
free from sin. 

First day, the 21st of 8th month. A silent meeting to-day, 
which closed with a peaceful mind. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Passed without anything 
transpiring worthy of particular notice. 

Fifth day. A silent meeting, as it respects myself. 
Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my salt-meadows, about 
ten miles from home ; assisting my men in making and securing 
hay. On my return visited a poor widow, with the surplus of 
our provisions, for which she was very thankful. 

First day, the 28th. \My lips, at our meeting to-day, were 
closed in solemn silence. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Diligently employed in what 
my hands found to do : for I see no time when it would be right 
to indulge in idleness. 

Fifth day. Sat our meeting in much weakness and poverty 
of spirit, but felt peace at the close. 

Sixth and seventh days. Closely engaged in my temporal 
business ; but did not forget my accountability to my great Lord 
and Master, for the right use of every portion of precious time, he 
is pleased to dispense to me. 

First day, the 4th of 9th month. My mind, while sitting in 
our meeting to-day, was led into a contemplation of the great and 
excellent advantages resulting to those, who have placed their 
supreme trust in the arm of divine sufficiency ; and while musing 
thereon, and the manifold blessings attendant on such a state, 
there was brought to my remembrance the exhortation of Solo- 
mon : " Trust in the Lord with all thy heart ; and lean not 
unto thine own understanding." The subject spread, and 



EL1AS HICKS. 189 

opened to a communication, in which the audience were press- 
ingly invited and encouraged to lay hold and make choice of 
this only sure rock of refuge, an entire trust and confidence in 
God, and in the arm of his salvation. For those who trust in 
the name of the Lord, have never been confounded. 

The rest of this week was spent in my usual vocations, except 
attending our preparative meeting on fifth day. Nothing 
transpired worthy of particular notice. 

First day, the 11th. As I was sitting in our meeting to-day, 
my mind was led into a train of solemn reflection, from the revi- 
val of these expressions of Christ to his disciples : " In the world 
ye shall have tribulation : but be of good cheer, I have overcome 
the world." An enlightened view was opened to me of the especial 
advantages, and deep consolation, derived to the true Christian, 
by a firm belief therein : as the expressions evidently carry in 
them an earnest to the true believer, of his being likewise enabled 
to overcome, as he is faithful in treading in the path of self-de- 
nial, agreeably to his heavenly pattern. The subject opened 
to communication, in which the audience were pressingly invited 
and encouraged to enter earnestly into this most necessary and 
interesting warfare ; as nothing short of overcoming the world, 
the flesh, and the devil, can restore to us an uninterrupted peace, 
and entitle us to the white stone in which the new name is 
written j which none can read, but he who hath it. 

The succeeding days of this week were attended to as they 
passed ; but nothing transpired unusual. Our monthly meeting 
was on fifth day ; and although we had a pretty trying case be- 
fore us, yet we got through without interruption, or any breach 
of Christian harmony. 

First day, the 18th of 9th month. A satisfactory meeting to- 
day, more so than for several weeks past ; the testimony of truth 
went forth freely, and, I think, clothed with a good degree of 
power and demonstration of the spirit, which produced a peaceful 
and thankful mind. The rest of this week I was closely engaged 
in preparing my fallow ground, and sowing my wheat and rye. 
I am willing to do my part carefully and industriously; and then 
I can with more confidence, place my trust and dependence on a 



190 JOURNAL OF 

gracious and beneficent Providence, for a blessing on my labour: 
for if care and industry be wanting, there is nothing for him to 
bless. 

First day, the 25th. A silent meeting to-day, as to any vocal 
communication ; but my mind was too much intruded upon by 
unprofitable thoughts, and interrupted by the unchristian commo- 
tions and din of war, which are at present mightily prevailing 
in our land, and by the frequent reports of blood and slaughter 
witnessed among professed human rational beings : but alas ! 
how inhuman and- irrational do they prove and proclaim them- 
selves to be, who can deliberately imbrue their hands in each 
other's blood for this world's honours and profits ; and dare at the 
same time to call themselves Christians., although so utterly 
estranged from the real Christian spirit and life. 

The remaining part of fhis week spent in my usual vocations. 

First day, the 2d of 10th month. I was led, in my commu- 
nication to-day, to show the unreasonableness of some people, in 
looking to, and depending on, being made Christians, by the minis- 
tration of men, and information derived from books and writings; 
when, alas, the ministration of angels would be entirely insufficient 
for that purpose. The ministration of the Son and sent of God, 
even the divine ivord that was in the beginning with God, and 
was God, is only sufficient to effect that great and blessed end : 
and that, not by any thing whiclrhe has spoken, commanded, 
or done without us, but by what he speaks, commUnds, and 
does within us ; we yielding and submitting thereto by faithful 
obedience. For there is no other way by which any have been, 
or can be, made real Christians, or true, sincere, sensible followers 
of Christ, in spirit and life. 

Nothing unusual transpired in the course of the remaining 
part of this week. 

First day, the 9th. Whilst sitting in our meeting to-day. there 
was brought to my remembrance the following portion oi' Paul's 
exhortation to his son Timothy, as recorded in his first epistle: 
"For bodily exercise, profltetfa little : but godliness is profitable 
unto all things, having prbniise of the life that now is, and of 
that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of 



ELIAS HICKS. 19X 

all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, 
because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all 
men, especially of those that believe." The subject spread, and 
my mind was opened to take an enlightened, and enlarged view 
thereof; so as to be induced to believe that a necessity was laid 
upon me to communicate it to the assembly ; and as I yielded 
thereto, it still enlarged, and led to an open field of doctrine. I 
was clothed with gospel authority, which produced a most precious 
solemnity and calm over the meeting. It was evidently the 
Lord's doing, and it was marvellous in my eyes; and my spirit 
was made thankful for the renewed, and unmerited mercy and 
favour. 

Second and third days. Were spent in attending our meeting 
for sufferings, at which information was received, through one 
of its corresponding members, that the Legislature of our state, 
now sitting, were about forming a bill to lay a heavy tax on the 
members of our society, to be paid in lieu of personal military 
service ; which, if passed into a law, would be likely to expose 
many of our members to severe suffering. The subject brought 
considerable exercise over the meeting, which led into a discus- 
sion of our testimony against war ; in which it appeared mani- 
fest, that the deficiency of many of our members, in regard to a 
right support thereof, tended to obstruct, in a very considerable 
degree, our stepping forward, consistently with the nature of 
our appointment, to seek redress therein : nevertheless, after a 
considerable time spent thereon, and many different prospects 
opened, the meeting so far agreed, as to separate a committee of 
six Friends, to pay especial attention to the subject : who were 
directed to proceed therein, as the necessity of the case might 
require, and way should open for. 

Fourth day. Spent in assisting two of my neighbours to settle 
their business : and wrote a will for each of them. This is a 
business that every man ought to attend to, and complete, in 
time of health. 

Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, and it being 
the one preceding our quarterly meeting, the queries were to be 
answered. As one of the overseers was likely to be necessarily 



192 JOURNAL OP 

absent from the preparative meeting, they met a day or two pre- 
vious thereto, and prepared essays of answers ; and the one who 
attended, produced them to the meeting at the time of entering 
upon reading and answering the queries. As I had long 
believed, from observation and experience, that this method was 
inconsistent with the nature of our profession, and right order of 
our discipline, as well as in its tendency very hurtful and weak- 
ening to the meeting, my mind was very much exercised on the 
occasion ; and the more so, in finding several Friends willing to 
adopt the practice : but, after the matter had been pretty fully 
spoken to, under a weight of concern, Friends agreed to lay the 
essays aside, and not notice them ; which was a considerable relief 
to my mind. 

Sixth and seventh days. Passed without any thing particular 
to notice. 

First day, the 16th. My mind was brought under a renewed 
exercise in our meeting, from a view and consideration of the 
very small improvement and progress made by a great portion 
of our society in religious experience, when compared with the 
opportunities they were so abundantly favoured with from time 
to time. It led to a communication on the subject, which was 
introduced by a revival of Paul's reprehension of the Hebrews : 
" For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need 
that one teach you again which be the first principles of the 
oracles of God : and are become such as have need of milk, and 
not of strong meat." The subject spread, and brought a solemn 
weight over the meeting, and Friends were pressingly excited to 
greater diligence in the right improvement of their precious time ; 
that so when the day of solemn inquisition comes, they may be 
prepared to give in their account with joy, and receive the desired 
and peaceful answer of: "well done thou good and faithful 
servant ; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make 
thee ruler over many things : enter thou into the joy of thy 
Lord." 

Our monthly meeting was held on fifth day ; and, I think, the 
business was well and harmoniously conducted. The rest of 
the week I was busily employed in my usual vocations ; and 



ELIAS HICKS. 



193 



divers things occurred, which induced gratitude and thankfulness 
of heart to the blessed Author of all our mercies. 

First day, the 23d. A silent meeting to-day. What a pre- 
cious thing it is, to be taught to know when to speak, and when 
to be silent. 

Our quarterly meeting was held this week at Flushing. It 
was, I think, through the several sittings, a searching, instructive, 
favoured season. In the meeting of Ministers and Elders, and 
meeting for discipline, many of the hidden things of Esau, or the 
first nature, were searched out and made manifest ; and their 
inconsistency with the gospel dispensation, and hurtful tendenc}^, 
exposed ; particularly that of coveting and grasping after riches ; 
to obtain which, many of the members of our society had launched 
into extensive business, more particularly in the line of commerce, 
and, in order to carry it on, had involved themselves in debt be- 
yond their ability to pay ; and, to keep up a false credit, had, by 
a show of friendship, and a deceptive appearance of having great 
possessions, drawn in others to lend them money, and become 
their sureties for large sums ; until both the borrower and lender 
were involved in utter ruin, to the great scandal of themselves, 
the distress of their families, and reproach of our holy profession. 
Others there were, who, for want of keeping close to the founda- 
tion principle of our profession, the inward divine light, and faith- 
ful testimony-bearer in the heart and conscience, had given way 
to busy themselves, and take a part in, the political disputes 
and controversies among the people, relative to the governments 
of this world ; which at this time ran high, and had produced 
war and distress in the land ; by which, they not only grieved 
their concerned Friends, but brought much reproach upon them- 
selves and their profession. My mind was deeply exercised on 
account of these things; and I was constrained to bear a full and 
faithful testimony against all such inconsistent and unchristian 
conduct; and to call Friends' attention to the necessity of a 
more close adherence to the internal principle of divine light and 
truth, as the only sure Director and Preserver, in times of trial. 

The closing meeting, held for worship, was eminently fa- 
voured with the Divine presence ; and the concurring teslimo- 

25 



194 JOURNAL OP 

nies borne, gave evidence of his presiding power ; and his great 
name was supplicated, and gratitude and thanksgiving were 
rendered to him for his continued mercy. 

First day, the 30th. In the forepart of our meeting to-day, 
my mind seemed clothed with great weakness, and much inter- 
rupted by the continued succession of unnecessary and unprofita- 
ble thoughts : but as I continued to endeavour to draw my 
attention from them, although to little effect, till towards the close 
of the meeting, my mind was unexpectedly arrested with a 
subject very interesting to every immortal soul, that of coming to 
believe in, and become settled on, the eternal and unchangeable 
rock of salvation, Christ the divine light, as prophesied of, not 
only as " a light to lighten the Gentiles," but to be God's salva- 
tion to the ends of the earth. The subject spread, accompanied 
with life ; which^ as communicated under the influence thereof, 
spread over the meeting, and it became a comfortable refreshing 
season. It was evidently the Lord's doing, and worthy of thank- 
ful acknowledgment, for the unmerited mercy. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Busily employed with my 
workmen, assisting them in securing our corn, &c. It was a 
bountiful crop, which made the labour pleasant, and the heart 
thankful. 

Fifth day. At our meeting to-day, which was larger than 
usual, occasioned by the marriage of one of my daughters, I was 
led to set forth, by public testimony, the excellency of the divine 
fear, and its blessed and salutary effects on the minds of those, 
who live daily under an humbling sense thereof; and, by the 
persuasive language of entreaty, endeavoured to arrest the minds 
of the tender and beloved youth present, with a sense of the 
necessity of having it to dwell richly in their hearts, as the only 
sure means of preservation, from the many evils and temptations 
which abound in the world. A comfortable calm was brought 
over the meeting, a fit preparative for the quiet and orderly 
accomplishment of the intended marriage. It was cause of 
thankfulness to my mind, having been favoured to have four 
daughters, out of five, agreeably married, in the comely order of 
Friends : the other, yet single, a tender precious young woman. 



ELIAS HICKS. 195 

observing with pious submission her parents' counsel. But this 
is a blessing which few parents enjoy, except those who live 
under a daily concern, with timely and continued care, to watch 
over and nurture their tender offspring in the fear of the Lord. 

Sixth day. Accompanied our daughter with her husband to 
his father's house, and returned in the evening. 

Seventh day. Spent in my family cares, and ended the week 
with a peaceful mind. 

First day, the 6th of 11th month. My lot was silence to-day. 
A pleasant lot indeed, when the Master wills it so. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Employed diligently in my 
ordinary affairs. The rest of the week was devoted to religious 
concerns. We had the company of a ministering Friend from 
West Jersey on fifth day at our meeting, through whose fervent 
labour the life was raised into dominion ; which made it a com- 
fortable and instructive season. Accompanied him the two fol- 
lowing days to Bethpage and Jerusalem, having a meeting at 
each place ; both of which were seasons of favour. 

First day, 13th. Passed our meeting again in silence, under 
the comfortable feelings of a mind resigned either to speak or to 
be silent. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Spent in my usual concerns. 

Fifth day. Was our monthly meeting, at which we had the 
company of the same Friend, who attended our meeting the 
fifth day preceding. I had near unity with him in his exercise ; 
and had to bear a corresponding testimony, both in the men's 
and women's meeting. It was a season of favour ; and much 
suitable counsel was administered, tending to excite Friends to 
greater faithfulness and circumspection in the right ordering of 
their families, and in bringing up and educating their children, 
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, consistent with our 
holy profession. 

Sixth and seventh days. Returned, as respects the mind, like 
Mordecai to the king's gate ; while my hands were busily em- 
ployed in my family affairs. 

First day, the 20th. Having felt my mind for some time 
increasingly inclined to sit with Friends in their meeting at 



196 



JOURNAL OF 



Martinicock, I thought it right at this time to attend thereto; but 
when I came there, my mind felt so vacant and void of concern, 
that for some time I was ready to conclude, that if my coming 
was of any use, it would all be included in my personal presence, 
as an example of silence : but after a time of quiet waiting, a 
subject presented, and the life rose with it, and opened to a large 
communication, in which the gospel was preached in the demon- 
stration of the spirit, and with such power attending as produced 
a very solemn covering over the meeting ; and many hearts 
present were broken and contrited. For this favour my mind 
was clothed with gratitude and thanksgiving to the bountiful 
Author of all our mercies and blessings, " who is over all, God 
blessed for ever." 

The rest of this week I spent about home, mostly employed 
in my temporal concerns. Passed our fifth day meeting in 
silence ; and the week ended with a peaceful mind, which I 
account an unmerited favour. 

First day, the 27th. Feeling my mind drawn to sit with 
Friends at Westbury, I accordingly attended their meeting, in 
which I was led to set forth the excellency of the state described 
by the apostle Paul, which is freed from condemnation, and is 
effected by a full submission and obedience to the law of the 
spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which sets free from the law of sin 
and death. It was an open, and, I trust, a profitable opportunity 
to some present ; and I felt peace in my labour. 

Second day. Attended the funeral of a neighbour, whose 
wife was a member of our society ; and, although he had been a 
very intemperate man, yet, towards his close, he signified a 
desire to be laid in Friends' burial ground, which was allowed. 
His widow being desirous I should attend the funeral, I went 
accordingly with several other Friends. The neighbourhood 
was chiefly Dutch people, and a considerable number attended. 
We had a solemn opportunity among them : the testimony borne 
had a very reaching effect on many, especially among the youth ; 
and I was made thankful for the opportunity. 

Third and fourth days. Occupied in laying in my winter 
store of provisions. 



ELIAS HICKS. 197 

Fifth day. Attended our meeting. It was a quiet encouraging 
season. Towards the latter part, I was concerned to show to 
Friends the hurtful tendency of evil thinking, which I introduced 
by that short saying : Evil be to him, that evil thinks. The 
subject enlarged, and spread increased weight over the meeting; 
and many minds were humbled and contrited ; and we parted 
under the solemn covering. 

Sixth and seventh days. Occupied in my usual concerns, 
with attendant peace of mind. 

First day, the 4th of 12th month. -A quiet silent meeting 
to-day. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Diversely engaged. Part of 
the time occupied with many other Friends, in collecting some 
relief for the poor in the city of New- York ; the present tumultu- 
ous state of public affairs having reduced many of the labouring 
part of the citizens to a suffering state, for want of the necessaries 
of life. 

Fifth day. In the meeting for worship which preceded our 
preparative meeting, I felt my mind renewedly engaged to call 
Friends' attention to a faithful support of our Christian testimo- 
nies ; particularly those against war and injustice ; and that all 
might with firmness maintain our Christian liberties, without 
fear, favour, or affection, against every encroachment of the secu- 
lar powers ; as, in the present disturbed state of public affairs, 
laws had recently been enacted, levying taxes and other requisi- 
tions for the support of war ; which was now spreading and 
making its destructive ravages in our once peaceful land. A 
solemn weight covered the meeting during the communication ; 
and I was favoured to relieve my mind for the present, from the 
weight of concern and exercise it lay under on those accounts. 

Sixth and seventh days. Busily engaged in my family con- 
cerns ; believing with the apostle, that he who doth not take the 
necessary care for his own, and families' comfortable support, 
may be considered to have denied the faith, and in that respect 
is worse than an infidel. 

First day, the 11th. Being invited to attend the funeral of a 
woman attached to Friends, though not a member ; a widow of 



198 JOURNAL OF 

my acquaintance in our neighbouring town of Hempstead; and 
feeling an inclination thereto, I attended accordingly. There was 
a considerable collection, mostly made up of Episcopalians, Pres- 
byterians, and Methodists ; among whom my mind was enlarged 
in gospel love, and led to sound forth the glad tidings of life and 
salvation, through Jesus Christ the second Adam, the Lord from 
heaven, a quickening spirit ; showing that by a full submission 
to the inward operation of this spirit, a manifestation of which is 
given to every man to profit withal, we experience the truth of 
that remarkable saying of the apostle Paul : For as in Adam, or 
the first fallen nature, all die; so in Christ, the second Adam, or 
the renewed and quickened state, all are made alive ; and there- 
fore born again, not of corruptible seed, but of the incorruptible 
seed and word of God, that liveth and abideth for ever. It was a 
highly favoured season, in which the Lord's power was exalted, 
and the truth reigned over all, bowing the assembly generally; 
and many hearts were broken and contrited. It was evidently 
the Lord's doing, and marvellous in mine eyes ; and engaged 
renewed gratitude and thankfulness of heart for the unmerited 
mercy. 

Second and third days. Spent in attending our meeting for 
sufferings in New- York, in which an opportunity opened to re- 
lieve my mind of a concern I had been for some time exercised 
under, on account of some recent laws enacted by the general 
government of this country, and the legislature of the state of New- 
York ; which, in their tendency, were opposite to our testimony 
against war and injustice ; and were likely to produce much suffer- 
ing to the faithful in our society, who saw they could not yield to 
the requisition of those laws, without balking their Christian testi- 
monies in these respects. I was led to excite Friends to unity in 
this concern ; as the want of uniformity would very much tend to 
lay waste those precious testimonies, and increase the sufferings 
of the society. 

Fourth day. Attended our neighbouring monthly meeting of 
Westbury. My mind was engaged to call Friends' attention to 
a more close adherence to discipline ; the right management of 
which could not be profitably effected, without keeping to a right 



ELIAS HICKS. 199 

and sound form. I felt satisfaction in my labour, in a belief 
that the honest-hearted were strengthened and encouraged. 

Fifth day. Attended our own monthly meeting, at which we 
had the company of our friend John Winslow, from the district 
of Maine, in New England. His gospel labours, in the line of 
the ministry, were acceptable and edifying. At this meeting, I 
opened to my friends a prospect, which had for some time attended 
my mind to make a visit to some scattered families of our society, 
who resided in the outskirts of our quarterly meeting ; some of 
whom, being distant from meeting, but seldom attended. I had 
also a view of visiting some families who were not members, and 
of appointing some meetings, among some of the neighbouring 
inhabitants of other societies. The meeting united with the 
prospect, and left me at liberty to pursue it, as way might open. 
On sixth and seventh days, I accompanied our friend John 
Winslow to Bethpage and Jerusalem ; attending a meeting in 
each place. The Lord our gracious helper was near, strength- 
ening and qualifying to preach the gospel of life and salvation in 
the clear demonstration of the spirit, and with power ; humbling 
and contriting many present, and rejoicing the minds of the 
honest-hearted. 

s First day, the 18th. I attended our own meeting ; and was 
favoured therein with a lively impressive testimony which pro- 
duced a very comfortable solemnity over the meeting, and ren- 
dered it an instructive edifying season. 

On second day, by appointment, I met our friend John Wins- 
low at a meeting in the town of Oysterbay ; where we again 
witnessed the Shepherd of Israel to be near, enabling us to dis- 
charge ourselves faithfully to the people ; setting the truth above 
errour, and left it upon them, whether they will hear, or forbear. 
On third day evening, had an appointed meeting for the black 
people in our meeting-house at Jericho. It appeared to be 
owned in a very especial manner by the Master of our assemblies, 
who furnished doctrine suited to their states and conditions ; and 
the truth reigned over all, fully evidencing that the Lord our 
God is no respecter of persons, but is gracious and merciful 
unto all; and that in every nation, kindred, tongue, and peo- 



JOURNAL OP 

pie, those that fear him, and work righteousness, are accepted of 
him. 

Fourth day. Attended an appointed meeting, about four miles 
easterly from Jericho. It was a highly favoured season ; most 
present were affected by the prevalence of truth, that ran as oil. 
Surely it was the Lord's doing, and worthy of grateful acknow- 
ledgments and thanksgiving, for the unmerited favour. 

In the evening we attended another meeting at Cold Spring ; 
and although not so open as the former, yet we were favoured to 
clear ourselves among them ; and left them with the reward of 
peace in our labour. 

Fifth day. Attended a meeting in the morning at the house 
of a man not a member, at Huntington West Neck ; and in the 
evening one at the west end of the town of Huntington, at Peleg 
Woods'. The first was a very precious season to the visiters, and, 
I trust also, to most or all of the visited : the latter a stripping 
time in the forepart, but ended well. 

Sixth day. Visited some families on our way home, which 
visits, I believe, were mutually comfortable. 

Seventh day. Spent partly in repairing the travelling vehicle 
of our friend aforenamed, who had accompanied me in the above 
tour. 

First day, the 25th. My mind, while sitting in our meeting, 
was opened On the subject of faith, in the revival of that Scripture 
passage, viz : " All men have not faith." I was led, in a clear 
full testimony, to show to the auditory, why all men have not 
faith ; although the means of obtaining it are freely offered to 
the acceptance of all ; yet it is not to be obtained by man's natural 
wisdom or acquirements, but only by and through the operation 
and inspiration of the grace and spirit of God, as man yields in 
obedience and submission thereunto : hence he comes to know 
God, by the inward experimental touches of his own life and 
power in his soul ; and hence springs up in him, as lie patiently 
submits thereunto, that living operative faith, that works by love 
to the purifying of the heart; but such as are exercising them- 
selves in their own speculative wisdom, and refuse submission to 
the manifestations of divine grace, have not faith, because they 



ELIAS HICKS. 20J 

reject the only means by which it can be obtained. The truth 
was raised into dominion, to the praise of him who is over all, God 
blessed for ever. 

Second and third days. Busily employed in my husbandry 
and family affairs ; each day closing with a peaceful mind. 

Fourth and fifth days. 1 attended the meetings at Westbury 
and Cowneck ; and previous notice being given of my intention 
of attending them, they were larger than usual at that time in 
the week. Through the gracious condescension of Israel's never- 
failing Helper, my mind was opened to declare to the people of 
the things concerning the kingdom of God, in two large doctrinal 
testimonies, one* at each place, suited to the states of the audi- 
tories. The doctrines delivered distilled as the dew on the minds 
of many who were present ; causing tears of contrition to trickle 
down their cheeks. Surely such seasons are as a brook by the way 
to the honest exercised traveller Zion-ward ; as they tend to an 
increase of faith, and inspire with fresh courage to persevere in 
the heavenly journey. 

I also attended an appointed meeting in the intermediate eve- 
ning at Hempstead Harbour. Although I was led in my com- 
munication to treat in a full clear manner divers particular doc- 
trines of the gospel : yet it seemed to have but little* entrance in 
the minds of those present, which made the exercise arduous, 
and afforded but little satisfaction in the end. This I have found 
mostly to be the case, in neighbourhoods where the minds of the 
people are led to adhere to outward, formal and ceremonial per- 
formances in religion ; and especially where much self-activity 
and bodily exercise is superadded, which is very much the case 
with the principal part of this neighbourhood : and those not of 
this description are, except a few, in a state of lukewarmness and 
almost entire indifTerency, respecting those things which belong 
to their soul's salvation. 

On sixth day, I attended the funeral of a person who died in a 
Friend's family, wherein he had been a labourer for many years, 
in the neighbourhood last mentioned. Although but few collect- 
ed, yet the opportunity was solemn : and the testimony borne had 
a reaching effect on the minds of divers present especially on 

26 



202 JOURNAL OF 

several of the youth. May it be fastened by the Master of assem- 
blies, as a nail in a sure place. 

Seventh day. Occupied in my temporal concerns ; and the 
week, and the year, ended with a peaceful mind. 

First day, the 1st of 1st month, 1815. My mind, while silently 
waiting in our meeting, was opened to view in prospect the 
beauty and excellency of order. As it spread on my mind, 1 felt 
constrained to communicate on the subject ; and to show, that all 
things, which continued in full subjection to the divine will, were 
preserved in the same beautiful order they were arranged in 
from the beginning; and that all disorder sprang from, and was 
the effect of, a will separate and distinct from,the divine will. 
For as God is a God of order, and is also the creator of all things, 
of course there can be no order and right harmony in his crea- 
tion, but what he is the sole author of : hence the necessity of 
every created being becoming wholly subject to his heavenly and 
divine will, as nothing else can possibly restore the creation to its 
primitive order and harmony : and when this is effected, there will 
be a perfect subjection of every distinct and separate will, to the will 
of our heavenly Father. Then the whole creation will stand in 
a state of subservience to the divine will ; then will the morning 
stars again resume their song, and all the sons of God shout for 
joy. O ! happy day, may the Lord hasten it in his own time. 

Second day. I attended the funeral of a young man, who 
was killed by the falling of his horse. He was in company with 
a number of loose young men at a tavern, where they had been 
running horses ; and his horse threw him off in a fearful man- 
ner ; nevertheless he escaped unhurt : but shortly after, as he 
was riding from the tavern, his horse fell with him, and he died 
with the hurt he received by the fall, in about a week after. The 
accident had considerable effect on his young companions ; and 
impressed their minds with sadness and alarm. They were, 
generally present at his funeral ; as also were most of the youth 
in the neighbourhood, for a considerable distance round; who, 
with others of riper years, made a large collection. The Lord, 
who is always graciously near, and read; to help in every needful 
time, opened my mouth among them in a large affecting test] 



ELIAS HICKS. 



2b3 



mony, suiting the occasion. It was a very humbling solemn sea- 
son, not soon to be forgotten by many present ; and my spirit 
was made thankful for the unmerited favour. 

After the funeral, I went, with my wife and daughter Eliza- 
beth, to Islip, to see our grandson, who is in a weakly declining 
state. We returned home the next evening. 

Fourth day. Engaged in my family concerns. 

Fifth day. Attended our meeting to-day in silence. We had 
the company of our friend Phebe I. Merritt, from New- York, 
who also sat most of the meeting in silence ; but appeared 
towards the close in a short testimony, which spread a good 
degree of life over the meeting ; which was truly gladdening. 

Sixth and seventh days. Part of the time occupied in tempo- 
ral concerns ; and part in assisting an ancient Friend, upwards 
of ninety years of age, in settling his business, and writing his 
will. He appeared competent to the purpose, both as to memory 
and understanding. 

First day, the 8th. My mind was in unison with the exercise 
and testimony of our friend Phebe I. Merritt, who was again 
with us at our meeting to-day ; and I found it my duty towards 
the close of the meeting to set my seal thereto, in a short impres- 
sive testimony : and, I trust, the meeting closed under a sensible 
degree of divine favour, worthy of our thankfulness and gratitude. 

Second and third days. ' While my hands were busily em- 
ployed in my temporal business, my mind was often led to rise 
above all temporal enjoyments ; and to contemplate on things of 
an eternal nature. In the course of my meditations I was led to 
contrast those who are led and influenced by the wisdom and 
will of man, with those who me led and influenced by the 
wisdom and will of God ; and it was opened to me that, of 
necessity, the former must be ruled, and governed by the 
wisdom and power of man: hence the necessity of coercion, and 
hence the necessity of war ; as every government of coercion, 
must of necessity be set up and maintained by the force and 
fear of the sword, as that is the last alternative, in every govern- 
ment, set up in the wisdom find will of man. But those, who 
are led and influenced by the wisdom and will of God, have 



2G4 JOURNAL OF 

no necessity of being governed by any thing else than the 
divine wisdonr and will, through the power of persuasive 
love ; and no other coercion can ever be necessary in the king- 
dom of heaven, where nothing reigns but love, peace, and joy 
undefiled, without intermission. And O ! that every rational 
being was so inspired with a real soul-craving desire, after the 
enjoyment of this heavenly and peaceful kingdom, as not to rest 
until he had gained a satisfactory assurance, that his name was 
enrolled in that city, which hath foundations whose builder and 
maker the Lord is. 

Fourth day. I rode to New- York, in order to attend the funeral 
of our beloved friend, Matthew Franklin, to take place the next 
day. He was taken with an apoplectic fit while speaking in the 
morning meeting in Pearl-street, on the preceding first day. He 
appeared lively in testimony, but was suddenly stopped by indis- 
position, and sat quietly down : but soon arose and withdrew, 
and was followed by some of his friends, and would have fallen 
as soon as he got out, had he not been upheld by them. In a 
few minutes he fell into an almost senseless state, as to the body, 
not being able to speak afterwards ; and quietly expired at about 
half past seven in the evening of the following day : and, we 
trust, has safely landed in that celestial port, where the wicked 
cease from troubling, and the weary soul is at rest. 

He appeared amiable in his life and conversation, and was 
generally beloved by his friends and acquaintance, especially the 
youth ; for whose improvement and preservation, he often ap- 
peared very solicitous. The unusually large attendance at his 
funeral, and the solemnity that appeared in the countenances of 
the multitude assembled, (the meeting-house though large not 
containing perhaps more than two-thirds of those that gathered,) 
carried full evidence of the correctness of the foregoing representa- 
tion, as did also the testimonies borne on that solemn occasion. 

I attended, besides the funeral on fifth day, two other meetings ; 
one at Liberty-street in the morning, it being Friends' meeting 
day at that place, and a meeting for the people of colour in Pearl- 
street. The latter was very large. My mouth was opened in 
each assembly to speak of those things which relate to the king- 



ELIAS HICKS. 



205 



dom of God, especially at the funeral ; and in the meeting for the 
people of colour, my mind was largely opened to preach the gospel 
in the demonstration of the spirit, and the Lord's power attended, 
humbling and solemnizing the assemblies. It was evidently the 
Lord's doing. May all the honour and praise be ascribed to him, 
for he only is worthy, both now and for ever. Lie low, O my soul ! 
and \>e humbled in the dust, from a due sense of such unmerited 
mercy. 

On sixth day, I rode to Manhattanville, and attended a meet- 
ing there in the evening. It was for the most part, I think, a 
favoured season. The truth was largely declared, and appeared 
to have a reaching effect upon most present. 

Seventh day. Returned to the city, and attended a meeting 
in the evening in the Bowery ; which I had appointed the day 
before I left town. It was a very solemn quiet meeting, the 
power of truth flowed freely, and I hope had a profitable entrance 
with some. May it prove as a nail, fastened in a sure place. 



206 JOURNAL OP 



CHAPTER IX. 



Visit to families of Friends in New-York, and engagements at and about 
home, 1815. 



First day, the 15th of 1st month, 1815. I attended Friends' 
meetings in New- York. Was at Pearl-street in the morning, 
and the other in the afternoon. My mind was opened to commu- 
nicate largely in both meetings ; and was led, in the course of the 
testimonies, to open divers particular doctrines of the gospel ; and 
to distinguish between the law state, and that of the gospel ; and 
to show to the people, that as all the shadows of the law stood in, 
and consisted of, outward and elementary things, they must end 
in the gospel, which is the substance of all shadows ; and of 
course supercedes them all. It was a day of favour, in which 
the Lord's power was exalted ; and his name and truth set above 
all errout and untruth. 

On second day evening I attended the meeting for sufferings, 
which was adjourned to that time on a particular occasion. We 
sat again the next day, when we finished the business before 
us. In the evening I attended a meeting I had appointed for 
the labouring class of the community, and for those in low cir- 
cumstances. The weather was very inclement ; it being a snow 
storm ; which prevented most of the women from attending: but 
there was a considerable number of men, who behaved witli 
great order and solemnity. They received, with much attention, 
the truths delivered : which inspired a hope, that the opportunity 
would be blest, and a real benefit experienced by many of them. 

Fourth day. I attended Friends' meeting in Pearl-street, 
which proved a comfortable, and, I believe, instructive season to 
some, especially among the youth. After this, I returned home 



ELIAS HICKS. 207 

with peace of mind, and a thankful sense of the continued mercy 
of a gracious God to his creature man, amidst all his backslidings 
and transgressions. 

Fifth day. Attended our own monthly meeting; in which I 
had to lay before Friends the great advantage that would result, 
not only to us as individuals, but also to society, by individual 
faithfulness, and a full belief and trust in the divine providence; 
and a strict and undeviating adherence to the order and disci- 
pline of the Church, for which labour I had peace. 

Sixth day. I attended the funeral of Charles Valentine, son 
of David Valentine, at Moscheto Cove. It was very largely 
attended by Friends and others. I had an open time among 
them ; which was introduced with this scripture exhortation : 
" Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made 
us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." 
The subject was largely opened, showing that all the works of 
the flesh did in a lesser or greater degree bring the mind under 
a yoke of bondage; and that the fear of death was a principal 
one, out of which many others originated ; such as every means 
of self defence, that consisted in war and warlike preparations. 
Every ceremonial performance in matters of a religious nature ; 
such as water baptism, and what is called the ordinance of the 
supper, in the use of outward bread and wine, not being essential 
bring a yoke and burden on the believer in Christ ; as he came 
purposely to set his followers free from all signs and shadows, 
and bring them into the possession and enjoyment of the sub- 
stance ; whereby we come to know all the shadows to flee away 
and come to an end ; as Christ manifested, is the substance 
and end of all shadows. It was a highly favoured season. The 
truth was raised into dominion and ran freely, humbling and 
contriting many hearts. May the praise, the honour, and the 
glory be all ascribed to Him, who opens and none can shut, and 
who shuts and none can open ; and who remains to be " God 
over all, blessed for ever." 

Seventh day. Attended to some necessary repairs about my 
farm and tenements. For as I am much from home attending 
to my religious engagements, when I feel a liberty to be at home. 



208 JOURNAL OF 

I find it needful to be industriously employed, to keep my tempo- 
ral concerns in order ; so that when I leave home on truth's 
account, my mind may be at liberty, without thinking much 
about them. 

First day. Attended our own meeting, mostly in silence. 
The rest of this week was principally taken up in preparing for 
and attending our quarterly meeting, which was held at West- 
bury. It was pretty largely attended, both the meeting for disci- 
pline, and that for public worship ; the latter was somewhat hurt 
by an unskilful appearance in the ministry, in the forepart, but 
ended well. In the meeting of Ministers and Elders, as also in 
that for discipline, a living exercise and concern were prevalent 
with divers Friends, not only in searching out the causes of the 
numerous weaknesses and deficiencies that were manifest in 
society, but also endeavouring for their removal, by much tender 
and pressing advice and counsel, suited to the states of those who 
were delinquent. Many minds were brought under an humbling 
exercise and travail of spirit in those solemn opportunities ; and 
divers young Friends, who were under the forming hand, pre- 
paring for usefulness in the Church, came forth at this time, and 
publicly espoused the cause of truth and righteousness, uniting 
with their elder brethren in the exercise and travail which were 
felt to prevail in those favoured meetings. My spirit was led 
into near sympathy with these, and fervent was the desire and 
prayer of my mind for their preservation in the path of duty ; 
that so they might grow up and become useful in society, and 
faithful labourers and pillars in the Lord's house, that should go 
no more out. 

First day, the 29th. We had a comfortable meeting to-day, 
mostly in quiet silent retirement ; except towards the close my 
mind was quickened and opened to a short communication, in the 
remembrance of the case of Joseph and his brethren ; wherein I 
was led to recapitulate their envy and hatred towards him, and 
to show that their wicked intentions in selling him, to prevent 
his rising to the power and dignity which his dreams appeared to 
forbode, were the very means in the ordering of divine providence 
of accomplishing their Fulfilment ; and of course made their bow 



ELIAS HICKS. 209 

ing and making their obeisance to him much more humiliating 
than it would have been had they conducted themselves towards 
him in the line of true brotherhood, and had he been raised to 
the dignity and power he was, by some other way. But herein 
was the true proverb verified : Let envy alone, and it will 
punish itself. I was led further to open the malignity and bane- 
ful effects of those hateful, and very evil propensities. A solemn 
weight covered the meeting ; and we parted under a thankful 
sense of the favour. 

The rest of this week I spent in my ordinary vocations, and 
in visiting some friends under bodily affliction. 

First day, the 5th of 2d month. I left home in order to pro- 
ceed again in the concern I had engaged in, to visit some of the 
inhabitants in some of our neighbouring towns, and some scattered 
families of Friends and others. I spent the week in this ser- 
vice, and attended nine meetings, all by appointment in places 
where no meetings are held except one ; and visited eleven 
families of Friends, and persons not members. Although I 
left home under much depression of spirit, attended with great 
discouragement, insomuch that I was brought near to a con- 
clusion that it would be safest to tarry at home, and wait for 
a more full manifestation ; yet, as I brought the subject to the 
test in my own mind, and patiently waited for an answer in 
much abasedness and humiliation, a small degree of light 
sprang up, in which the voice said, go and. trust in the Lord to 
open the way. My mind was then centered in a state of perfect 
acquiescence ; and I proceeded accordingly, seeing nothing fur- 
ther when I left home, than to attend the meeting of Friends at 
Bethpage. This was the first I attended ; but before the close 
of that meeting, light sprang up, and the way in which I should 
advance clearly opened ; and as my trust and dependence were 
fixed in the arm of divine sufficiency, strength and ability were 
furnished from season to season, faithfully to espouse the cause 
of truth and righteousness, and to preach the gospel in the clear 
demonstration of the spirit, and with power ; convincing and 
contriting many minds, and relieving and comforting my own. 
My heart was inspired with continual thankfulness and gratitude 

27 



210 JOURNAL OP 

to the blessed Author of all our mercies. I returned home on 
seventh day evening, accompanied with true peace of mind. 

First day, 12th. Attended our own meeting; and after a 
pretty long season of solemn silence, my mind was opened to 
communication, in the revival of the following declaration of the 
apostle James : " For as the body without the spirit is dead, so 
faith without works is dead also." The subject was largely and 
impressively opened, which brought a solemn covering over the 
meeting, and made it a season of comfort and edification. Surely 
such seasons administer cause for all the humble and contrite in 
heart to thank God and take courage ; and press forward in the 
holy and heavenly way. 

Second day. I found liberty to occupy this day in my tem- 
poral concerns. 

Third day. I attended the funeral of a man, not a member, 
at Jerusalem. There was a very large collection of people, com- 
posed of the different classes of civil society ; and although it was 
a time of extreme cold, and the means for rendering the rooms, 
wherein the people assembled, comfortable, very inadequate for 
that end, yet they were generally very quiet and orderly, and 
appeared to pay great attention to the doctrines delivered. My 
heart and mouth were opened among them, to speak of the 
things concerning the kingdom of heaven, and to set forth, in a 
clear and forcible manner, the way and means of man's salva- 
vation ; and that nothing short of a freedom from sin, and the 
experience of real righteousness, would be sufficient to effect that 
great and happy end. 

Fourth day. I attended the monthly meeting at Westbury; 
and had some close searching exercise, both in the meeting for 
worship and that for discipline, tending to quicken Friends' minds 
to a more lively concern for the arising of the divine life in their 
meetings; that so their faith might be productive of good works ; 
and they qualified to serve the Lord in newness of life, and not 
in the oldness of the letter. 

Fifth day. I attended our own monthly meeting. We had 
but little business to attend to at this time. I found it. incumbent, 
before the meeting closed, to submit a prospect that attended my 



ELIAS HICKS. 211 

mind to the consideration of the meeting, to visit the families of 
Friends of the monthly meeting of New- York ; and received 
Friends' united concurrence therein. 

Sixth day. I spent with my family, and in my family con- 
cerns ; and in the evening attended a meeting I had appointed 
at Woolver Hollow, a neighbourhood consisting mostly of Dutch 
people. It was a very solemn quiet meeting, and I had good 
service among them, to the mutual comfort and edification of 
most present. 

Seventh day. I left home again on my former concern in 
visiting some more of the scattered families of Friends and others, 
in the suburbs of our quarterly meeting ; having not fully accom- 
plished that service. Our first meeting was the next day at 
Rockaway, among my relatives and acquaintance, this having 
been the place of my former residence. Although the meeting 
at this time was small, partly occasioned by the inclemency of 
the weather, 5^et, through the gracious extendings of divine love, 
it proved a favoured season. 

After this, we proceeded eastward on the southern part of the 
island, and had five more meetings among those not in member- 
ship with us, except here and there a scattered family, or part of 
a family; yet numbers of them appear to be convinced of the 
truth of the doctrines and principles of Friends ; and many of 
them, I believe, if they continue faithful to their convincement, 
will in time become members with us. We also had some edify- 
ing seasons in the few scattered families of Friends in this quar- 
ter, and in a number of families of those inclining to Friends. 
We returned home on fifth day evening ; and I found sweet 
peace in thus dedicating myself to the promotion of the cause of 
truth and righteousness in the earth. 

Sixth and seventh days. Devoted to the care of my family 
and household concerns ; which I find to be my incumbent duty, 
when at liberty from my religious engagements and gospel 
services. 

First day, the 26th. Attended our own meeting to-day. 
Second day. Attended the funeral of a woman not a mem- 
ber ; and the family being inclined to Friends, a meeting was 



212 JOURNAL OF 

held on the occasion, which proved a profitable edifying oppor- 
tunity. 

Third day. I proceeded to New- York, in order to attend the 
monthly meeting the next day ; in which I opened my prospect 
of visiting the families belonging thereto, with which the meeting 
united. But feeling a concern to attend the monthly meeting to 
De held at Flushing the following day, before entering on the 
family visit, I accordingly Went. The meeting for worship, 
which preceded that for discipline, was a favoured season, in 
which truth reigned. I likewise had a large favoured meeting 
with the inhabitants of the town in the evening ; and the next 
d ay returned to New- York . 

Seventh day, the 4th of 3d month. I began the family visit. 
Sat with twelve families, in some of which I felt the renewed 
visitation of the heavenly Father's love, in which the visited and 
visiters were united in the bond of Christian fellowship; which 
tended to inspire with strength to persevere and trust in the 
Lord, who hath graciously promised, that they who trust in him 
shall not be confounded : but in others, things were much out 
of order, and darkness spread over us at times as a curtain, 
when we found it needful to be clothed with faith and patience ; 
and as these were abode in, after a time of suffering with the 
seed, way was mostly made to set the testimony of truth over 
darkness and errour. Many were convicted and instructed ; and 
peace afforded to my own mind. Samuel Parsons kindly accom- 
panied me in the greater part of the visit ; and cordially united 
and sympathized with me therein. 

First day. I attended the meetings at Liberty-street, both 
forenoon and afternoon, and sat with four families ; and, in the 
course of the week, seventy more. In these we met with a 
variety of states and conditions, which renders such services truly 
arduous and exercising, requiring great inward attention to the 
divine gift; as nothing else can open to the diverse states ot the 
people, and qualify to speak suitably to their several conditions, to 
their improvement and help; and give (he answer o( peace to 
those under such exercises. I also attended Friends' meetings, 
held in the middle of the week, at Pearl and Liberty streets. At 



ELIAS HICKS: 213 

the former was a marriage. It was a time of unusual favour, in 
which # the descendings of the heavenly Father's love were felt 
to cover the very large assembly, in an eminent manner. My 
mouth was opened in a large impressive testimony, in which, in 
a clear instructive manner, I had to set forth the great difference 
between a believer and an unbeliever ; showing that the former 
was, by faithfulness and obedience to the inward divine gift of 
grace, daily improving and advancing in divine wisdom and 
knowledge, and in the enjoyments and consolations always attend- 
ant thereon ; while the latter was sinking deeper and deeper into 
a state of darkness and errour, and the distresses and vexations, 
which naturally result from unbelief. It was a day of high favour, 
in which the truth was exalted over all opposition and errour, 
rejoicing many minds ; and bowing my heart in deep thank- 
fulness and gratitude to the Author of every blessing. Surely it » 
was the Lord's doing ; therefore let all the praise be ascribed to 
Him who is over all, blessed for ever. 

First day, the 12th. Attended Pearl-street meeting in the 
forenoon and afternoon. Both meetings were much hurt by a 
long, tedious and lifeless communication in each, by a Friend, 
not a resident here, who attended those meetings at this time. It 
very much shut up my way, and was, I apprehend, a great loss 
to the meetings ; as it very much hurt the solemnity. In the 
course of this week I sat with twenty-nine families ; and attended 
Pearl-street meeting on fourth day. After this I rode home, in 
order to attend our own monthly meeting, and returned on 
seventh day to New- York. On first day, I attended Pearl-street 
meeting in the forenoon, and Liberty-street 4n the afternoon, 
both comfortable seasons. In the course of this week, I sat with 
seventy-seven families. 

First day, the 26th. Attended Pearl-street meeting in the 
forenoon and afternoon, and an appointed meeting at Liberty- 
street in the evening. They were large full meetings ; and 
through the condescending goodness of Israel's Shepherd, they 
were eminently favoured. My mouth was opened in each, to 
preach the gospel in the demonstration of truth, to the comfort, 
edification and instruction of many who attended, as appeared by 



214 



JOURNAL OF 



their solemn and satisfactory deportment ; and I was truly thank- 
ful that I had been enabled to get through this day's exercise, to 
the peace of my own mind, which I esteem the best treasure. 

Second day. Sat with five families in the city, and in the 
afternoon crossed the ferry to Brooklyn, and visited three families 
of Friends in that neighbourhood, they being members of Liberty- 
street meeting. I also had an appointed meeting in the evening, 
for the inhabitants of Brooklyn. It was well attended, and proved 
an instructive favoured season, gratefully to be remembered. 

Third day. Rode to Manhattanville, and visited the families 
of Friends in that place, and three families on the way ; and 
returned to the city next morning, and attended Friends' prepa- 
rative meeting in Pearl-street. It was the time for answering 
the queries ; and it proved an exercising meeting, Friends having 
too generally got in the habit of making use of words which 
rendered their answers evasive, and not giving a direct one to 
the question ; by which the deficient members were very much 
covered ; and which tended rather to set them at ease, than to 
stir them up to more diligence and care. My mind was deeply 
exercised, things appearing very much out of order with many 
in this city; and the number of the faithful very small. I endea- 
voured to discharge myself faithfully among them, and found 
peace in my labour. 

In the afternoon, I had a select opportunity with the Ministers 
Elders and Overseers. In this opportunity, I, in a good measure, 
relieved my mind from a burden I had been under far some 
time, respecting Friends in those stations. In the evening 1 had 
an appointed meeting in the east part of the town, principally 
among those not in membership with us. It was held in a large, 
commodious building, erected for the purpose of educating the 
children of such poor people as did not belong to any society of 
professed Christians. There was at this lime a school held in 
it, consisting of nearly four hundred such children. The expenses 
were defrayed by the charitable donations of the citizens at large. 
It is a benevolent institution, and well conducted. The meeting 
was large, consisting, as was supposed, of a thousand people; to 
whom i he (ruths of the gospel were largely opened, com- 



ELIAS HICKS. 215 

forting and instructing many minds, and administering reproof 
to the lukewarm, the licentious, and immoral. A general 
solemnity spread over the meeting ; and we parted under a deep 
and humbling sense of the unmerited favour. 

Fifth day. Attended the preparative meeting at Liberty-street, 
which was a comfortable meeting. The queries appeared to be 
answered with much more consistency than "at the other. The 
afternoon and evening spent in the family visit ; as also the two 
following days. 

First day, the 2d of 4th month. I attended Pearl-street meet- 
ing m the morning, and that at Liberty-street in the afternoon ; 
and public notice being given of my intention of attending the 
latter, it was large. I also had an appointed meeting in the 
evening at Pearl-street, which was also very large. They were 
all seasons of favour, especially those at >• Pearl-street, wherein 
truth reigned, and the people's minds were solemnized, and the 
faithful comforted and made glad together, under a grateful sense 
of the continued mercy, and longsuffering loving kindness of 
Israel's Shepherd to the workmanship of his holy hand. 

Second day. Sat with four families in the forenoon ; and, in 
the afternoon, had an appointed meeting at Flatbush, near the 
West end of Long Island, where no Friends live. The inhabit- 
ants were mostly Dutch people, the descendants of the ancient 
Hollanders: they had but little acquaintance with us or our 
principles. The meeting was held in their court-house. A 
respectable number collected, and behaved quietly, becoming the 
occasion. Our gracious Helper was near, furnishing doctrine 
suited to their states and conditions ; which had a reaching 
and salutary effect upon many minds ; and through the preva- 
lence of the power of truth, which rose into dominion, divers 
hearts were broken and contrited. We parted from them with 
thankful hearts, and returned to the city that evening. 

Third day. Attended the meeting of Ministers and Elders, 
composed of the select members of the monthly meetings of New- 
York and Flushing. It was a solemn, and, I hope, a profitable 
time. The next day the monthly meeting of New- York was 
held, iir which I was favoured to close my visit to Friends there, 



216 JOURNAL GP 

in an opportunity with the members generally together, both 
male and female, select from others. At this meeting I discharged 
myself fully to the peace of my own mind, and, I trust, to the 
comfort and encouragement of the faithful; and at the same 
time administered reproof and correction to the lukewarm, and 
unsound members, and strength to the weak and feeble-minded. 
The Lord was supplicated iu behalf of his people, that he would 
still strive with them, both in mercy and judgment, as he may 
see meet, in his matchless wisdom and loving kindness, and not 
give his heritage to reproach, lest the people without be led to 
inquire, where is their God. 

Fifth day. I turned my face homeward, having a meeting at 
Newtown Kilns, at the eleventh hour, and another in the town 
at evening. They were favoured seasons ; although the latter 
was somewhat interrupted at the close, by a hireling minister, 
of the Presbyterian persuasion, who took some exceptions to the 
doctrines delivered respecting water baptism, imputative righteous- 
ness, and the hire of ministers. The arguments he advanced in 
support of these appeared very weak, being unfounded and falla- 
cious ; and the scripture passages which he quoted to prove his 
positions, were in direct opposition thereto. f\>r his proof of 
water baptism, he made use of the doctrine of the apostle Paul ; 
and especially that part wherein he thanks God that he had 
baptized but a very small number, positively asserting, that 
Christ sent him not to baptize ; therefore, if so great a minister 
as Paul had no commission or authority to baptize, that is with 
water, who had converted so many to the Christian faith, and 
set up and established many churches, in parts where no other 
of the primitive ministers had yet travelled, surely he could not 
think it needful, or otherwise he must have fallen very far short 
of fulfilling his ministry ; but if we conclude, as I apprehend we 
are all bound to do, that Paul, as he himself asserts; was not a 
whit behind the chiefest of the primitive apostles, we may then 
safely conclude that wafer baptism has no part in the commission 
of a gospel minister, and consequently is no part of the gospel 
dispensation, but was only made use of in condescension to the 
weak state of the Jewish believers, in the same way as circum- 



ELIAS HICKS. 217 

cision was made use of by Paul. Indeed it is abundantly evident, 
that the rituals of the law were continued for many years by 
many of the Jewish Christians. It is clear, however, that it was 
all in condescension to the weak state that the believers were 
in, through the force of tradition and custom. Having been 
long in the use of outward shadows and types, the way did not 
open to shake them all ofT at once ; but as the light of the glori- 
ous gospel should arise, they would gradually recede and give 
place to the substance, just as when the sun rises above the 
horizon, all the shadows of the night flee away. 

And with regard to imputative righteousness, some Christians 
affirm that the righteousness of Christy wrought without us, 
being imputed to believers, they are thereby justified, without any 
works of righteousness carried on in us, by and through the 
operation of the grace of God, we yielding thereunto, and co-ope- 
rating therewith. But the apostle Paul asserts that " the grace 
of God, that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching 
us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live 
soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." Now 
will any be so inconsistent with truth and righteousness, as 
to assert, that a man is justified merely by the righteousness 
that Christ wrought in the outward manifestation, without his 
coming to know in his own experience, those works of righeous- 
ness wrought in him, as above expressed by the apostle ; and 
which he must be a party to and in, or they cannot be wrought. 
For a mere belief in grace does not do the work of righteousness ; 
but faith in the sufficiency of the grace is the first previous work 
of the mind of man ; but if that belief is not carried into effect, 
such faith cannot save him ; for faith without works is dead, 
being alone, as a body without the spirit. I think the conclusive 
arguments of the apostle James are quite sufficient to prove these 
things to every judicious mind. For although the harlot Rahab 
had, from what appears, a full belief that Israel's armies would 
conquer the land of Canaan, and it is likely many thousands 
more of the Canaanites had the same belief; yet as none of 
them added good works to their faith but her, none others 
were saved. Abraham also believed he was required to sacri- 

28 



218 JOURNAL OF 

fice his son, as the scripture assures us ; but had he not gone 
forward to put it in execution, his faith, instead of being imputed 
to him for righteousness, would have greatly administered to his 
condemnation ; and instead of becoming the friend of God, he 
would have been cast out of his favour ; so that by his works 
only was his faith made perfect. 

But the great errour, of the generality of professed Christians, 
lies in not making a right distinction between the works that 
men do in their own will, and by the leadings of their own car- 
nal wisdom, and those works that the true believer does, in the 
will and wisdom of God. For although the former, let them 
consist in what they will, whether in prayers, or preaching, or 
any other devotional exercises, are altogether evil: so on the 
contrary, those of the latter, let them consist in what they may, 
whether in ploughing, in reaping, or in any handicraft labour, 
or in any other service, temporal or spiritual, as they will in all 
be accompanied with the peace and presence of their heavenly 
Father, so all they do, will be righteous, and will be imputed to 
them as such. And these, and these only, will witness the bless- 
ing pronounced by the royal psalmist, where he saith: "Blessed 
is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed 
is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in 
whose spirit there is no guile." And who are those whom the 
royal prophet here designates ; why none but such as have care- 
fully and strictly adhered to the teaching of the grace of God ; 
and who by its teaching and aid have denied themselves of all 
ungodliness, and worldly lusts ; and have come to live soberly, 
righteously, and godly in this present world. 

And in order to prove the consistency of Christian ministers 
taking pay, and making contracts with the people for their 
preaching, and letting themselves out to the highest bidders, he 
brought forward quotations from the same Paul, who is so very 
severe against hirelings ; showing, both by his example and 
precepts, that it is more blessed to give than to receive ; and that 
parents or leaders ought to care for the children, and not the 
children for the parents. 

The quotations he brought forward wen* founded principally 



ELIAS HICKS. 



219 



on these two passages from the epistle to the Corinthians : " Do 
ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of 
the things f the temple, and they which wait at the altar are 
partakers with the altar ? Even so hath the Lord ordained, that 
they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." 

In order to understand correctly how far proof will arise from 
these passages of scripture, it will be necessary to consider the 
ground upon which the priesthood was established under the 
law ; and likewise the reason and ground, upon which their 
maintenance was instituted : for it was all a work of perfect wis- 
dom. And first, the dispensation of the law was outward and 
local ; so likewise was the priesthood : none being eligible to that 
office but the family of Levi : and in consequence of their being 
appointed to that office, they were deprived of having their por- 
tion or allotment in the land ; but the Lord was to be their por- 
tion : except that they were to have room for residence, and some 
suburbs about their dwellings, for their convenience. Their 
office was to kill and prepare the sacrifices which the people 
brought of their holy things, as offerings to the Lord ; so that 
they were under the necessity of doing a great deal of manual 
labour for the people. Therefore, in order that they might have 
a livelihood among their brethren, the Lord had let one-twelfth, 
that is Levi's lot, to farm among his brethren ; and they were 
bound to return to their brethren, the Levites, one-tenth of their 
increase; to reward them not only for the abundant manual 
labour they were bound to do for them,, but also in consideration 
of their having the improvement and profits arising from Levi's 
portion of the promised land. 

Now to make a right bearing between the shadow and sub- 
stance, and render it eligible under the gospel for its ministers to 
take pay, they must be such as are immediately called, as was 
the house of Levi ; and be deprived of any allotment in the land, 
except room for residence, and some small suburbs : they must 
likewise be under the unavoidable obligation of doing a great 
deal of manual labour in outward things, or otherwise they are 
not entitled to any outward pay : and all this only as their duty 
to him, who hath called and appointed them, without making 



220 



JOURNAL OF 



any contract with the people at all for their service ; for this was 
not admissible under that dispensation : and all that did were 
reproached by the Lord's prophets as hirelings. An instance to 
the point is the case of Micah, who had a house of idol gods ; and 
he hired a Levite to be his priest, and gave him for his service 
ten shekels of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and his 
victuals. Indeed we have in this Levite a true specimen of a 
hireling ; for when the Danites proposed to his consideration, 
which would be best for him, whether to be a priest to the house 
of one man, or to a tribe and family in Israel, he soon solved the 
question ; and it made his heart glad, and he took Micha's ephod, 
teraphim, and graven image, and added theft to covetousness ; 
and went with the Danites, and became their idol priest. 

Secondly, we are next to consider the perfect analogy between 
the service of the priesthood under the law, and their wages, 
agreeable to Paul's expressions : " Do ye not know that they 
which minister about holy things, live of the things of the tem- 
ple, and they which wait at the altar, are partakers with the 
altar?" Now the things of the temple and of the altar were all 
the Lord's things ; and as the priests and ministers were also the 
Lord's, he rewarded them out of his own holy things, and justice 
required that it should be so. Therefore the priests under the law 
had no right to call on the people for any pay, because there was 
no contract between them : so likewise under the gospel, the Lord's 
true ministers must be such as are immediately called of God, as 
was Aaron : but as there is no outward holy land under the gos- 
pel, so neither is there any outward holy offerings or sacrifices, 
nor any outward holy temple or altar of man's building ; so like- 
wise no outward victims to be slain or consecrated, hence no 
outward reward : but the Lord's ministers under the gospel air 
all called and commissioned by his spirit, and clothed with his 
power and authority to preach the gospel, not with wisdom 
of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect 
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, 
but unto such as are saved it is the power of God. Hence thus.- 
who preach the gospel live of the gospel ; thai is. as l lie gospel is 
the power of God, which is communicated to the people by gos- 



ELIAS HICKS. 221 

pel ministry, by which they are fed and comforted spiritually, as 
the Israelites were outwardly, by their outward sacrifices, of 
which the priests who ministered took their share with the people : 
so likewise the ministers of the gospel, who minister to the peo- 
ple spiritually in holy things ; they also take their share, and are 
made to rejoice together spiritually and mutually. And herein 
consists the true analogy between the shadow and substance ; the 
first being the type, which consisted in outward things, and the 
latter the antitype, consisting in spiritual things. For if the 
reward of the Lord's ministers under the gospel for their gospel 
labours is to consist in outward temporal things, and likewise the 
reward of the Lord's ministers under the law was of the same 
kind, then it would no longer hold as is generally agreed by 
Christians, that the first is type, and the latter its antitype : but 
it will be only type for type, and shadow for shadow ; of course 
we must look for another dispensation in order to do away the 
shadow, and make way for the substance. " But thanks be to 
God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ." 
He is the end of the law to all those who believe, and are 
witnesses of his spiritual appearance in their hearts, to take 
away sin and finish transgression, and fulfil all righteousness, in 
those who willingly deny themselves, and take up their cross 
daily, and follow him in the way of regeneration. Even so let 
it be, saith my spirit, with the spirits of the faithful. Amen for- 
ever. 

Sixth day. I had an appointed meeting in the town of Ja- 
maica, at the third hour in the afternoon. It was for the most 
part a favoured meeting, although long in gathering. The 
truths delivered had an affecting reach on many minds, and I 
was made thankful for the precious solemnity which prevailed 
over the meeting, and we parted under a comfortable sense 
thereof. After this I returned home, and found my family well ; 
and my mind was clothed with peace, which favour inspires 
grateful acknowledgments to the bountiful Author of every 
blessing. 

Seventh day. Rested with my family. 

First day. Attended our meeting to good satisfaction. The 



222 JOURNAL OF 

three following days spent with my family, and in my family 
concerns. 

Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, previous to the 
sitting of which, I attended a funeral of one of our neighbours. 
The corpse was laid in our burial-ground, and the people, after 
the interment, came into the meeting. It was a large collection, 
to whom the truths of the gospel were largely opened, and the 
humbling power of truth spread over the assembly, contriting 
many hearts. 

Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my family concerns. 

First day, the 16th. Attended our own meeting, sat it through 
in silence. It was exercising in the forepart, in which I felt re- 
duced into a state of baptism, with and for the dead : but as I 
abode in the patience, toward the close light sprang up and I wn? 
relieved from the burden. 

Second day. I spent in my temporal concerns. What a 
strict and continual guard and watch it requires, when engaged 
in any worldly business, to keep the mind free and loose from 
every thing of a terrestrial nature; so that, at the first beck or 
motion of the divine intelligence, we may be ready to obey, and 
submit willingly to its holy requiring, without consulting with 
flesh and blood. 

Third day. I attended the funeral of a deceased Friend. A 
meeting was held on the occasion at the place of her residence. 
The neighbourhood were mostly of the Presbyterian order, m; my 
of whom attended. I had an open time among them, to declare 
of the things pertaining to the kingdom of heaven ; and ninny 
gospel truths were plainly set forth and exalted over all untruth 
and errour. It was indeed a season thankfully to be remember- 
ed, and my heart was bowed in grateful acknowledgments to the 
great and blessed Author of all our mercies. 

Fourth day. At the funeral yesterday, I was requested h\ 
several of my friends to attend the funeral of an individual 
who had been a professor among the Methodists, but whom I 
had for some time believed was pretty fully convinced of the 
principles of our profession ; but the. (rial el" palling with his fel- 
low professors, and making a full surrender, had kept him back. 



ELIAS HICKS. 223 

until being brought on a bed of languishing, he yielded and 
acknowledged to the truth, and desired that in future his family- 
would attend Friend's meetings : and towards his close, in order 
to give full testimony to his belief, requested in a solemn manner 
that after his decease his body might be taken into Friends' 
meeting-house at Bethpage, which was not far from his dwelling, 
and a meeting held there at his funeral, and desired that I might 
be requested to attend. On consideration of the subject, Friends 
were easy to comply with his request, and a meeting was held 
accordingly. It proved a very solemn affecting time ; many 
hearts were tendered, and much brokenness and contrition were 
manifest in the meeting, through the prevalence of the divine 
power which accompanied the word preached. Surely it was the 
Lord's doing, and truly marvellous in the eyes of his people. 
And oh ! saith my spirit, what shall we render unto the Lord 
for all his benefits, for his mercies are new every morning. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, and on sixth day 
our preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders. In both of 
these, my mind was engaged to stir up Friends to more watch- 
fulness and circumspection, for the right ordering of the concerns 
of the society, and maintenance of our Christian discipline. 

Seventh day. Spent in my family concerns, and ended the 
week with a quiet mind. 

First day, the 23d. Attended our meeting in silence. It was 
rather an exercising dull time ; but we ought not to murmur, for 
if we had had our deserts, it might have been more so. 

The rest of this week principally taken up in attending our 
quarterly meeting in New- York. It was in general rather an 
exercising time ; for not only the answers to the queries from the 
several monthly meetings, manifested many deficiencies as to the 
right support of our Christian testimonies and discipline, but the 
diversity of sentiment among the active members respecting the 
full support of our testimony against war, also produced much 
exercise to the faithful ; especially with regard to the active com- 
pliance in the payment of a tax, levied by the general govern- 
ment of the United States, for carrying on war, and other purposes 
of the government, which many Friends believed could not be 



224 JOURNAL OF 

actively complied with, consistently with our testimony on that 
head. For refusing the payment of this tax, a number of 
Friends had suffered in their property by distraint, to a considera- 
ble amount more than the tax demanded, some even three or 
four fold ; whilst some others actively complied and paid the tax, 
and justified themselves in so doing, which caused considerable 
altercation in the meeting : nevertheless, I believe, Friends were 
generally preserved in a good degree of harmony with each 
other. 

My mind was deeply baptized into the weak state of society, 
and I laboured in the ability received to stimulate and encourage 
Friends to faithfulness and perseverance, that so all our precious 
testimonies for the Prince of Peace might be held up and exalted 
as a standard to the nations. 

First day, the 30th. A silent meeting. The rest of this week 
spent in my family cares, except attending our fifth day meeting, 
which I sat in silence. 

First day, the 7th of 5th month. I sat our meeting again in 
silence. The repeated seasons of rest that I have witnessed, 
since returning from my arduous labour in New- York, have 
brought to my remembrance the saying of the dear Master to 
his disciples, when they returned from the service they had been 
sent about, in visiting and preaching repentance to the Israelites, 
and healing their sick, &c. : " Come ye yourselves apart into a 
desert place, and rest awhile." I accounted it a favour, for which 
I was thankful to the bountiful Author of all our blessings. 

No particular call to any religious service during this week, 
except in attention to our preparative meeting. Silent in the 
meeting for worship. 

First day, the 14th. Indisposition of body prevented my 
attending meeting. I therefore spent the day quietly at home ; 
and in reading a portion of Moshiem's Ecclesiastical History of 
the Fifth Century, and which is indeed enough to astonish any 
sensible, considerate man, to think how the professors of that 
day could be hardy enough to call themselves Christians, while 
using every artifice that their human wisdom could invent to 
raise themselves to power and opulence, and endeavouring to 



ELIAS HICKS. 225 

crush down their opposers by almost every cruelty that power, 
envy and malice could inflict, to the entire scandal of the Chris- 
tian name ; and changing the pure, meek, merciful, and unde- 
filed religion of Jesus, into an impure, unmerciful, cruel, bloody, 
and persecuting religion. For each of those varied sects of pro- 
fessed Christians, in their turn, as they got the power of the civil 
magistrate on their side, would endeavour, by the sword, and 
severe edicts, followed by banishment, to reduce and destroy all 
those who dissented from them, although their opinions were 
not a whit more friendly to real genuine Christianity, than the 
tenets of their opposers ; for all were, in great measure, if not 
entirely, adulterated and apostatized from the true spirit Of Chris- 
tianity, which breathes peace on earth, and good will to man. 

The rest of the week I spent in my family cares, except fifth 
day, which was the time of our monthly meeting ; in which the 
women's meeting brought forward, for our consideration and 
concurrence, requests to be joined in membership for eight indi- 
viduals. Six of these were children, at the request of their father ; 
another, a minor of about ten years of age, who appeared very 
desirous of membership : she sent forward her request, joined by 
her parents. The other was an adult of a promising aspect, the 
mother of several children. She had been brought up and edu- 
cated in the Episcopal profession ; but being favoured with an 
opportunity of attending Friends' meetings, she was convinced of 
the truth as held by us; and cheerfully submitted to the cross, 
accounting the reproaches of Christ a greater treasure, than all 
the comfort and delights that could be found among her former 
associates in an outside pompous profession. Their requests were 
all admitted by the meeting ; and it was, I think, a comfortable 
instructive season. 

First day, the 21st. While sitting in our meeting my mind 
was led into a consideration of the testimony of the apostle John, 
where he assures us, agreeably to truth and right reason, that 
God is love, and that they who dwell in love, dwell in God, and 
God in them. My mind was opened to set forth to the people 
the excellency of this state and the certainty of its attainment, by 
all such as sincerely desire salvation ; and in order therefor, are 

29 



226 JOURNAL OP 

willing, through and by the leading and teaching of divine grace, 
which the apostle Paul assures us, agreeably to our own sensible 
experience, has appeared to all men, to forego all our selfish and 
creaturely inclinations, and to deny self ; and by bearing our cross 
daily, come to a full crucifixion of the old man, with all his cor- 
rupt and ungodly deeds. We thereby come to know a putting 
on the new man, even Christ, or a salvation state, agreeably to 
another declaration of the same apostle, where he asserts: 
" Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; old 
things are passed away, behold all things are become new, and 
all things are of God-" I was likewise led to show the good 
fruits that would be the natural result of such a state, as certain 
as good fruit is produced by a good tree ; for we should no longer 
love as man loves in his fallen state, from a selfish motive, self 
being slain ; but we should love as God loves, with a disinterested 
love, and then we should love, not our friends and neighbours 
only, but our greatest enemies also; and we should become quali- 
fied sincerely to pray to God for them. We should then be 
brought to discover, that all such among Christians as pray for 
the downfall, or overcoming of their enemies by force of war, or 
by any other means than pure disinterested love, pray not in a 
Christian spirit, nor by the leading and influence of the spirit of 
God ; but in their own spirit, and by the leading and influence 
of the spirit of antichrist. Therefore, such prayers are not heard, 
but are an abomination in the sight of a pure and holy God, who 
cannot behold iniquity with approbation. My mind was largely 
and impressively opened on the subject; and with solemn weight 
I left it upon the auditory, which was larger than usual : may it 
have its desired effect, is the sincere desire of my spirit. 

Second day. I attended the funerals of two elderly men of 
Bethpage meeting. They were neighbours; and wore both 
interred in the meeting's burial-ground at the same time. One 
of them was a member ; and the other was educated among 
Friends, but had lost his right. A meeting Was held on the 
occasion, and there was a large collection of people. It proved 
a solemn, and, I trust, an instructive time to some present : may 
it fasten as a nail in a sure place. 



ELIAS HICKS. 227 

The rest of this week, except the usual weekly attendance of 
our meeting, was spent in family cares, and in preparation for the 
attendance of our approaching yearly meeting. Indisposition in 
a branch of my family, prevented my attending the meeting for 
Ministers and Elders ; but got to the city in time to attend the 
first day meetings. In the morning I was at Pearl-street, and 
in the afternoon at Liberty-street ; and although the latter was 
pretty large, and in a good degree solemn, yet it was an exer- 
cising season to the living sensible members. 

In those large meetings, where Friends are collected from 
various parts, the weak and the strong together, and especially 
in those for worship, it is essentially necessary that Friends 
get inward, and wait in their proper gifts, keeping in view their 
standing and place in society, especially those in the ministry. 
For otherwise there is danger, even from a desire to do good, of 
being caught with the enemies' transformations, particularly with 
those that are young, and inexperienced ; for we seldom sit in 
meetings but some prospect presents, which has a likeness, in its 
first impression, to the right thing ; and as these feel naturally 
fearful of speaking in large meetings, and in the presence of 
their elderly friends, and apprehending they are likely to have 
something to offer, they are suddenly struck with the fear of 
man, and thereby prevented from centering down to their gifts, 
so as to discover whether it is a right motion or not ; and the 
accuser of the brethren, who is always ready with his trans- 
formations to deceive, charges with unfaithfulness and disobe- 
dience, by which they are driven to act without any clear prospect, 
and find little to say, except making an apology for their thus 
standing ; by which they often disturb the meeting, and prevent 
others, who are rightly called to the work, and thereby wound 
the minds of the living baptized members. 

On second day the meeting for discipline opened, and con- 
tinued by adjournments until sixth day. Although divers 
weaknesses were manifest, in transacting the business, for 
want of a deep indwelling with the pure spring of life, and 
each patiently abiding in his own proper gift, without envying 
others, yet, I think, in the main it was a favoured meeting 



228 JOURNAL OF 

Divers brethren were largely opened to speak to subjects of con- 
cern, which came before us, in the life, and in the clear demon- 
stration of the spirit, as scribes well instructed, bringing out of 
the heavenly treasury things new and old. 

First day, the 4th of 6th month. Being invited to the funeral 
of a young woman within the compass of Westbury meeting, I 
attended that meeting, which was very large, much more so than 
usual, occasioned in part by the funeral. Although the forepart 
of the meeting was dull and exercising, yet, as my mind cen- 
tered under a patient exercise and travail, way gradually opened 
to communication, in which I was enabled, through adorable 
condescension, largely and livingly to declare to the people of 
the things concerning the kingdom of heaven, and their own 
present and everlasting peace. It was a season of great favour, 
thankfully to be remembered. 

The rest of this week I spent at home, in peace of mind. 

First day, the 11th. My mind was brought under exercise, 
as I sat in our meeting, in remembrance of Paul's declaration, 
where he says, " For all seek their own, not the things which 
are Jesus Christ's." As I continued under the exercise, way 
opened to communication, which brought a comfortable solemnity 
over the meeting. 

Second and third days. I spent in attending our meeting for 
sufferings in New- York ; an appointment which I have been 
under for nearly forty years. 

Fourth day. Most of this day spent in some necessary repairs 
about my house. Much is saved by timely and prudent care. 

Fifth day. Was our monthly meeting, at which we had the 
acceptable company of our friend John Comly, a fellow-labourer 
in the gospel, with whom I felt near sympathy and unify in 
travail. I accompanied liim the next day to a meeting he had 
appointed at Martinicock ; in which he was favoured with ;• 
pretty large testimony, in the plainness and simplicity of the 
gospel. I took my leave of him and his companion Stephen 
Comfort that afternoon, and returned home. 

Seventh day. Spent in my common avocations, and the 
week closed with a peaceful mind. 



ELIAS HICKS. 



229 



CHAPTER X. 

Engagements at and about home, 1815. — Visit to the monthly meetings within 
the circuit of Nine Partners quarterly meeting, 1815. 

First day, the 18th of 6th month, 1815. My mind towards 
the close of our meeting, was opened into a view of the excellency 
and advantage of having our minds actuated invariably, by a 
principle of strict and impartial justice, and of having just ideas 
and apprehensions of the divine character. For nothing short 
of this, is able to establish our faith in God on its right basis, and 
to give us an unshaken hope and trust in his divine sufficiency, 
and bring us to experience that love of our benevolent Creator, 
and of our fellow creatures which casteth out all fear. As I 
communicated, the prospect enlarged and brought a solemn 
weight over the meeting, and we parted under a . sense of the 
favour. 

The rest of the week was spent in close attention to my tem- 
poral concerns, except attending our fifth day meeting. 

First day, the 25th. Sat our meeting to-day in solemn silence, 
being much depressed in mind on account of the improper con- 
duct of some of my friends, fellow members in society, by which 
I apprehended the noble cause we had espoused was in danger 
of being hurt, and the unity of the Church broken, which to me 
was a cause of real sorrow of heart. 

Except attending our fifth day meeting, which I sat in silence, 
the rest of this week was occupied in my common avocations, 
and ended with a peaceful mind, which is a hidden treasure of 
more value than the golden wedge of Ophir. 

First day, the 2d of 7th month. As I sat in our meeting, my 
mind was early impressed with that important scripture passage 



230 JOURNAL OF 

of the psalmist : " Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered." 
It led to communication, in which I was largely opened to set 
forth the very necessary truths it comprehended, especially as it 
regards man's salvation. For it shows clearly that man may 
prevent his thus arising, and thereby hinder his own salvation: 
and it also shows, that unless we know him to arise and become 
supreme and chief ruler in our hearts, agreeably to his own good 
will and pleasure, we cannot be saved nor come to know his ene- 
mies to be scattered. Therefore it becomes us as poor helpless 
creatures, patiently to wait, and quietly to hope for his arising, 
with penitent hearts and willing minds, ready to receive him in 
the way of his coming ; although it may be "as a refiner with fire, 
or as a fuller with soap." It is also necessary for us to know this 
arising to be within us and not without us ; and to be with 
power, binding the man of sin and son of perdition, which is 
self, or the strong man armed ; whose goods, while he rules, are 
at peace : but when we permit a stronger than he, who only is 
God, to come in or arise with power, " he will bind the strong man 
armed, and cast him out ; and then he will spoil his goods," that 
is, cleanse the heart from all the old rubbish of sin and unclean- 
ness, and purify his temple and make it a fit receptacle for his 
holiness to dwell in. It was a season of favour. Many gospel 
truths were clearly opened to the auditory who gave solid atten- 
tion ; may they fix as a nail in a sure place. 

I was under considerable bodily indisposition most of this week. 
On fifth day, so much so, as almost to give up the prospect of 
getting to meeting ; but I put on my usual resolution and went, 
and was glad in so doing, as there I met with that peace of God 
that passeth all understanding, which is only known by being 
felt. I had to declare to my friends how good it is to trust in the 
Lord with all the heart, and lean not to our own understandings, 
lest they fail us. 

On sixth day I attended the funeral of a kinsman, a neigh- 
bour, who had spent much of his life in a careless irreligious 
manner, very seldom Wending any religious meetings, and was 
very ignorant as it respected the things of God ami his own sol- 
vation ; but for a year or more before his death, he was greatl) 



ELIAS HICKS. 231 

afflicted with bodily indisposition, from which he suffered long 
and very deeply. It brought him to a solemn consideration 
respecting his latter end, and I had a hope it worked for his 
good, as he manifested a state of resignation ; so that he bore his 
affliction with much patience and quietude of mind. My heart 
and my mouth were opened on the occasion, to warn the people, 
and to call their attention to the necessity of an early preparation 
for death ; showing them that it bordered even on presumption, 
for such poor impotent helpless creatures as we are, whose time 
is dealt to us by moments, even to dare to close our eyes to sleep, 
without first being well assured that our peace w T as made with 
our great and gracious Creator. Many minds were considerably 
humbled, and I hope the labour will not be lost, but be as bread 
cast upon the waters, that some may gather after many days. 

First day, the 9th. We had a comfortable favoured meeting 
to-day. My mind was set at liberty to preach the gospel in the 
clear demonstration of the spirit ; and to show unto the people 
that the reason why they were not healed of their many infirmi- 
ties, was not because there was not " balm in Gilead," and "a Phy- 
sician there ;" but because they were not willing to seek him in 
the right way, and receive him in the way of his coming, which 
is inwardly, as a refiner with fire; or a fuller with soap ; to purify 
from all the old leaven of self, and to cleanse the heart from all 
self-righteousness, and self-sufficiency; that a thorough crucifixion 
of the old man, with all his unrighteous deeds may be witnessed; 
and the creature set at liberty to serve the Lord in newness of 
life. The meeting closed with solemn supplication and thanks- 
giving to the Lord for his continued mercy. 

Second, third, and fourth days. Spent in my family affairs, 
mostly attended with sweet peace of mind ; although accompa- 
nied with much bodily pain, which is more or less my common lot. 
But what a great portion of severe bodily pain may be endured 
without a murmuring thought, while accompanied with true 
peace of mind, and a conscience void of offence toward God and 
man : a rich consoling treasure. 

Fifth day. This being the time of our preparative meeting, at 
which our queries were answered, I had to admonish Friends to 



232 JOURNAL OF 

feel deeply after their own states. For as it is by individuals 
that meetings are composed, so every individual ought to know 
how far his particular state corresponds with what is queried 
after ; that so by a united labour, and an inward investigation 
of our own particular states, we may be enabled to form true and 
righteous answers to the superiour meetings. For if they are 
false, it will be accounted lying and that not unto men, but unto 
God ; and thereby our queries be rendered very hurtful to us, 
instead of being helpful. 

Sixth and seventh days. I occupied myself in my usual 
business, not feeding any particular religious draft ; except the 
necessity of keeping up the daily watch, that no intruding thoughts 
lead into temptation, or prevent my daily converse with the God 
of my salvation ; whose presiding fear, I have long experienced 
to be the only sure antidote against all evil. 

First day, the 16th. My mind was led forth in our meeting 
to-day in a large clear testimony, clothed with gospel authority, 
which was introduced with the following apostolic exhortation : 
" Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; 
cleave to that which is good. Be kindly afTectioned one to an- 
other with brotherly love ; in honour preferring one another." I 
was led to show that this undissembling love was not to be known 
by man in his fallen nature ; but only by the regenerated soul, 
the new man in Christ, who had come to know, in degree, a 
partaking of the divine nature, as no other nature is congenial 
with this love ; a love, w T hich the beloved apostle tells us. oisteth 
out all fear. It was a season of favour, thankfully to be remem- 
bered. 

The remaining part of this week was principally employed in 
helping to gather in our harvest, except attending our monthly 
jncHmg on fifth day, and preparative meeting of Ministers and 
lilders on sixth day: both of which were rather dull, poor meet 
ings. Alas! how the cares and c*jmbera of this world, like 
ilioms ;ind briars, choke the good seed and prevent its bringing 
forth fruit. Be watchful, O my soul ! that so thou niayest know 
thy seed time and ham-sl not to fail. 

First day, the 23d. My present allotment is a state of depres- 



ELIAS HICKS. 233 

sion and poverty of spirit ; but considering myself deserving thereof, 
I do not complain. In this condition I accompanied my family 
to meeting as the best thing I could do, not feeling the least quali- 
fication to be in any degree useful to myself or to others ; except 
in a voluntary surrender of myself to be any thing or nothing, as 
He, who has a right to dispose of his own workmanship at his 
own pleasure, should see meet. But I had not sat long in this sub- 
missive state, before a prospect presented to my mind, that opened 
to a field of labour, in which I had to espouse the Master's cause, 
and demonstrate to the people present the just and indubitable 
right he had to them and all their labours, without the promise 
of any reward : and that our true and real felicity, in time and 
in a future state, solely depended on this complete and willing sur- 
render of ourselves and all we have, to his holy and gracious 
will ; as nothing short thereof can produce our real sanctification 
and adoption. 

Second and third days. Nothing occurred worthy of particular 
notice. 

Fourth day. Was our quarterly meeting of Ministers and 
Elders, held at Westbury. I attended under great depression 
and poverty of spirit, which sealed my lips, as to any communi- 
cation, the greater part of the meeting. I sat resigned to my lot, 
and heard my friends, or some of them, express their exercise, 
which was principally directed to Ministers and Elders, especially 
in regard to an honest, careful exercise of their gifts as such ; and 
also alluding to the dulness and want of life that too generally 
attended those meetings. I felt very little effect wrought in the 
meeting from their labour, and could take no part in it ; but as 
I sat patiently waiting, and endeavoured quietly to endure the 
cloud that was spread as a veil over the meeting; it clearly 
opened on my mind, that it was not brought over us in conse- 
quence of a deficiency in ministers, as it respects their ministerial 
gifts, nor from a want of care in elders in watching over them ; 
but from a much more deep and melancholy cause, viz : the 
love and cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches ; which, 
springing up and gaining the ascendency in the mind, choke 
the good seed like the briars and thorns, and render it fruitless ; 

30 



234 JOURNAL OF 

and produce such great dearth and barrenness in our meetings. 
As the matter spread with a degree of animation on my mind, 
I found it my place, near the close of the meeting, to open the 
prospect and sound an alarm to Friends, which appeared to have 
a quickening effect on many minds, and enabled us at parting, 
to renew our trust in the Almighty arm of divine sufficiency, and 
still to believe that the Lord had not altogether forsaken his peo- 
ple, but was mindful of the seeking remnant of his heritage, and 
continued his gracious calls to his backsliding children. 

Fifth day. Was the meeting for discipline. It was likewise 
rather an exercising season, but I hope attended with some profit. 
Sixth day. Was the parting meeting held for public worship. 
It was a large crowded meeting, but was somewhat hurt in the 
forepart, by the appearance of one young in the ministry stand- 
ing too long, and manifesting too much animation : yet, I believed, 
he was under the preparing hand, fitting for service in the Church, 
if he only keeps low and humble, and does not aspire above his 
gift, into the animation of the creature. For there is great danger, 
if such are not deeply watchful, of the transformer getting in and 
raising the mind into too much creaturely zeal, and warmth of 
the animal spirit, whereby they may be deceived, and attribute 
that to the divine power, which only arises from a heated imagina- 
tion, and the natural warmth of their own spirits ; and so mar 
the work of the divine spirit on their minds, run before their gift 
and lose it, or have it taken away from them. They thereby fall 
into the condition of some formerly, as mentioned by the prophet, 
who, in their creaturely zeal, kindle a fire of their own, and walk 
in the light thereof; but these, in the end, have to lie down in 
sorrow. 

Towards the close of the meeting, as Friends kept quiet and 
solid, way opened for further communication, which brought a 
comfortable solemnity over the meeting ; and we parted from 
each other with gladdened hearts, under a grateful sense of the 
Lord's mercy to his unworthy creatures. 

Seventh day. I turned my hand again to my usual industry 
in my family affairs, with a peaceful mind. 

First day, the 30th. Devoted this dny : as usual, to the attend- 



ELIAS HICKS. 235 

ance of our own meeting, in which I had not sat long, silently 
musing, before my mind was opened into a view of the divine 
attributes, especially that of God's unchangeableness, and with 
which I had to contrast the changeable and unstable state of 
man. I was led, in the view thereof, to show to the people, that 
all our infelicity arose out of our unsettled state, and for want of 
being established, or fixed on some steadfast and invariable prin- 
ciple ; and as there is no other but God, consequently all our 
true felicity and salvation depends on our being entirely settled 
and fixed in and upon him, by which we are brought to witness 
an unchangeable state, having the feet of the mind established 
on the immoveable rock, Christ, the light of the world, and 
the real spiritual life of all true believers. For nothing short of 
this experience ought to satisfy, or give rest to any seeking, pant- 
ing soul after God its redeemer. 

The rest of this week I attended to my family avocations with, 
generally, peace of 'mind, attending our fifth day meeting, as it 
came in course ; nothing unusual occurring, but having daily 
and continual cause of thankfulness to the bountiful Author of 
every blessing, both temporal and spiritual. 

First day, the 6th of 8th month. My lot was to suffer the 
greater part of our meeting to-day, until near the close, when 
I found it my place to unite in a short testimony with a female 
fellow labourer, in calling the attention of the people to an inward 
exercise and faithful improvement of the gift or talent com- 
mitted to them, while time and opportunity are afforded, that so 
when called, they might be prepared to render up their accounts 
with joy. 

Spent the remainder of this week as usual, at and about 
home, feeling no call abroad to any religious service ; but felt it 
my incumbent duty simply to wait, and to watch at the King's 
gate. 

First day, the 13th. Towards the close of our meeting, my 
mind was led to view the great and singular advantages which 
would result to mankind, by a full surrender of their wills to the 
divine will, not only in religious concerns, but also in things of 
a temporal nature, and indeed in every thing they do. The sub- 



236 JOURNAL OF 

ject became very impressive, insomuch that I found it my place 
to spread it before the auditory; and to set forth the inconsistency 
of people, in first acknowledging the entire supremacy of the 
divine Being, and their own dependant state, as tenants at will 
of the sovereign Lord of the universe ; and at the same time 
presumptuously exercising an independent will and judgment in 
their temporal, and, mostly so, even in their religious concerns. 
Therefore, without breach of charity, we may safely conclude, 
that the generality, even of professed Christians, serve and wor- 
ship the creature, more than they do the Creator. To this we 
may refer the source of all the misery and wretchedness of man ; 
and that to rise out of his fallen state, he must come to know a 
complete sinking down into a state of nothingness of self, and a 
full surrender of his will to the divine will, and not to move in 
any thing without being conscientiously satisfied it is in corres- 
pondence therewith; then should we move on safely, and peace 
of mind would be our daily attendant. 

In the course of this Aveek I was indisposed, being afflicted with 
much bodily pain ; but was enabled to attend our monthly meet 
ing on fifth day, at which we received extracts from our yearly 
and quarterly meetings, with the printed epistle from London 
They furnished suitable advice on several subjects, particularly 
relative to a right attendance of our religious meetings. I was 
impressed also with a similar concern, to call the careful atten- 
tion of Friends thereto, as that upon which our religious advance- 
ment greatly depends. 

First day, the 20th. Feeling a draft on my mind (o sit with 
Friends of Bethpage, I yielded thereto. I sat the meeting mostly 
in silence, it being rather a dull, low time, and but little life dis- 
coverable in the meeting; yet near the close, I felt a small 
motion leading to communication, and as I gave way thereto, a 
small stream of life arose, and ran through the meeting, and we 
parted under a sense of its comforting influence, with thankful 
hearts. 

First day, the 27th. My mind was solemnly exercised during 
the greater part of our meeting, and deepl) impressed with the 
spirit of prayer and supplication. Oh, how awful is the prospect 



ELIAS HICKS. 237 

of approaching the Majesty of heaven in solemn prayer ! How. 
it reduces the creature, and shows him his entire unworthiness 
and helpless state. Well might the prophet thus exclaim : 
" When I heard, my belly trembled ; my lips quivered at the 
voice ; rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in 
myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble." As I sat under 
the humbling prospect, I was strengthened, towards the close of 
the meeting, with a bowed down mind and bended knees, to 
address my humble petition, on behalf of myself and my friends, 
to the throne of grace, expressive of the desire of my soul, 
that we might be kept, both old and young, at all times, under 
an humbling sense of the divine fear, as that on which all our 
safety and preservation depends. 

Second and third days. I spent with a family of my friends 
some distance from home, my wife accompanying me. I had 
been for some time under considerable exercise and concern on 
account of some uneasiness and disunity which subsisted among 
them, greatly to their hurt. I entered fully into the subject, and 
was favoured, through patient perseverance, to bring matters to a 
peaceful close, for which I was thankful, as the harmony of the 
family had been for several years very much interrupted. 

Fourth day. We returned home. 

Fifth day. Attended our meeting held this day, in which I 
was silent. 

Sixth day. I spent principally in assisting a friend, who was 
somewhat straitened in getting along with his husbandry con- 
cerns ; he having been indisposed. 

Seventh day. Attended the funeral of a very ancient woman 
Friend, an elder in society. She lived to the age of ninety- 
seven years, an example of prudence and plainness ; of an inno- 
cent life and conversation, and generally beloved by her acquain- 
tance. A large collection of Friends and others attended it. I 
was led to set forth the great advantages the true believer has 
over the unbeliever ; and to show to the people the great neces- 
sity of care that we did not place any confidence in a mere tradi- 
tional or historical belief, without coming to a real experimental 
knowledge of God and Christ. It was a solemn time ; many. 



238 JOURNAL OF 

hearts were tendered with the savour of truth, that spread over 
the meeting. 

First day, the 3d of 9th month. Feeling a small draft of love 
and concern to sit with Friends of Westbury meeting to-day, I 
yielded thereto. It proved rather a low dull season, very little life 
felt to be stirring in the meeting ; but a little before the close, I 
felt my mind quickened with the remembrance of the occurrence 
which took place with Jesus and his disciples a short time previous 
to his being taken prisoner, and carried before Pilate ; but, in a 
particular manner, my mind was impressed with the proceedings 
of Judas the traitor. It opened on my mind that he was a true 
figure of self in man, which is the son of perdition, and man of 
sin. I was led, in the opening, to warn Friends to beware of 
him, each one in themselves, for otherwise he would deceive, and 
betray them, as Judas did his Master ; and who will as cer- 
tainly destroy the precious life in us, as he brought Christ to 
his crucifixion ; his delight is to scatter and expose to trial and 
temptation. It spread with weight over the meeting, and many 
minds were solemnly affected. Surely the Lord's mercy is still 
great towards his backsliding people, as he continues striving to 
gather and preserve them from all evil. 

The rest of the week I spent as usual, nothing particular 
occurring. 

First day, the 10th. This day I was pretty closely engaged. 
Attended our own meeting in the morning, and an appointed 
meeting at Jerusalem in the afternoon. Both were meetings of 
favour, and comforting seasons to the upright in heart. 

Second day. Visited a sick brother. Found him very ill, his 
case being such as to render his recovery very doubtful. It caused 
much distress in the family. Oh ! how wise it is for such dependant 
creatures as we are, and whose stay here is so uncertain, to be 
always in a state of readiness 10 meet every event. What con- 
solation it affords in such trying seasons, when we can conic to 
say, Lord, thy servant is ready. 

I returned home on third day evening. Fourth and fifth 
days employed as usual.' On sixth day paid him another \isif, 
and found him much better, and the family cheerful. Oh, how 



ELIAS HICKS. 239 

unstable a creature is man ! full and empty, joyful and sorrowful, 
as things go well or ill. All this is for want of having the mind 
centered in and on God, its alone proper object and sure balance. 

I tarried until first day, and had an appointed meeting in the 
neighbourhood ; and although not so large as I have sometimes 
had in that place, yet it was in the main an open favoured season, 
exciting thankfulness to the blessed Author of all our mercies. I 
returned home that evening, leaving my brother in a favourable 
way of recovery, with a hope that the visitation will be profitable 
to him and his family, if they rightly improve it. 

The rest of the week I spent at and about home. Attended 
our monthly meeting on fifth day, and the funeral of a female 
relative on sixth day, who was taken ofT very suddenly with an 
apoplectic fit. Such instances speak a language to survivors 
very urgent and expressive : " Be ye therefore ready also." 

First day, the 24th. After a considerable time of silent waiting 
in our meeting, my mind was quickened in the remembrance of 
the following declaration of the apostle Paid : " For by grace are 
ye saved, through faith ; and that not of yourselves : it is the 
gift of God : Not of works, lest any man should boast." The 
subject opened to communication, wherein I had to unfold 
to the people the utter incapacity of man, in his fallen or 
natural state, doing any thing that would, in the least degree, 
further his salvation, or be acceptable to God, as a part of his 
necessary duty or service to him. For it would be very unwise 
and dangerous to presume or attempt any such thing : unwise, 
because it is impossible for him to effect it, and dangerous, lest he 
should do something that might warm or stir up his own pas- 
sions, or those of others, in such manner as to apprehend that a 
degree of the divine power attended. For this would tend to 
lead to a very fatal errour, a continuance in the presumption ; 
which can produce no other, than darkness and death to the 
soul. In this state he could not possibly avoid boasting, and 
thereby counteract the apostle's doctrine ; and indeed it would be 
justifiable to boast, if we could do the least thing of ourselves, 
without the immediate aid of divine grace. For strict justice 
cannot deny the ascription of merit to any cause that produces a 



240 JOURNAL OF 

real good work ; but as no mere man can possibly ever be such a 
cause, so he can never merit any good from his own works, and 
therefore he never can have a right to boast. All this the truly 
humble are abundantly sensible of, and therefore dare not attempt 
any thing in a religious way, in their own time and will, but 
wait patiently for the immediate inspiring of divine grace, to 
whose power only, as the procuring cause of our salvation, all 
merit is due. 

The rest of the week I spent in my usual avocations, not 
omitting my religious duties as they opened on my mind. 

First day, the 1st of 10th month. My mind, while sitting 
in our meeting to-day, was led into the consideration of the 
real necessity there was for each individual to know God, be- 
fore he could worship him acceptably, in spirit and in truth. 
For if we are ignorant of him, our worship would be no better 
than the worship of the Athenians to an unknown God. The 
subject enlarged and opened to the communication of divers 
gospel truths, and gave cause gratefully to acknowledge the 
mercy and goodness of our heavenly Father to his backsliding 
children. 

The six following days I was occupied at and about home, 
with a grieved mind most of the time, on account of the conduct 
of some of my neighbours, particularly one of my tenants, and 
one other, who spent the week principally attending horse 
races ; a most pernicious practice, leading to more evil than almost 
any other wicked custom that the loose and the vain are so 
foolishly addicted to ; for it is not only spending our precious 
time in a vain and wanton manner, but likewise manifests great 
ingratitude to the Author of all our blessings, if not a total disbe- 
lief in him : for how can it be supposed that a rational mind, that 
has a real belief in God, could have hardiness enough to drive a 
horse in a race, to gratify a number of idle and \aiu spectators ; 
and if for a bribe or a wager, it adds greatly to the sin, as it is 
then accompanied with covetousncss and dishonesty. When we 
consider that the horse is one of the great temporal blessings 
conferred on man, by a gracious and beneficent providence, to abuse 
him without cause, by driving him in a race, is both cruel and 



ELTAS HICKS. 



241 



wicked ; for his life, and the life of his rider are both at stake, as 
it sometimes happens that both are killed. And not one single 
real good ever has arisen, or ever can be looked for, from it : for 
the truth of which, I dare appeal to any rational man who was 
ever in the practice, that it has never produced one hour of real 
peace to the mind. 

First day, the 8th. As I sat in our meeting,^ the declaration 
of Paul, introductory to his epistle to the Hebrews, presented to 
my mind, and opened to a very interesting communication, 
showing that " God, who at sundry times and in divers manners, 
spake in time past unto the fathers [in Israel] by the prophets, 
hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he 
hath appointed heir of all things." This renders it necessary for 
every true follower of him, to hear him in all things, as now, 
under the gospel dispensation, we have no other sufficient teacher 
but the Lord Jesus Christ, by his spirit in our hearts ; therefore, 
they who do not hear and obey him, cannot be saved, but, agree- 
ably to the testimony of Moses, "the wrath of God abideth on 
them." 

Second and third days. Were taken up in attending our 
meeting for sufferings. The rest of the week I was occupied in 
my temporal concerns, except attending our preparative meeting 
on fifth day. 

First day, the 15th. Although in going to meeting to-day my 
mind was under the impression of poverty and spiritual want, 
yet I had not sat long, ere light sprang up, and opened to the 
communication of divers weighty gospel truths. In the unfolding 
of these, I was led to open to the people, that every birth was 
clothed in its own proper nature, and which must be congenial 
to the spring or source from whence the birth derived its exist- 
ence. Hence, agreeably to the apostle Paul's declaration, " The 
first man is of the earth, earthy ; the second man is the Lord 
from heaven ; and as we have borne the image of the earthy, 
we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." Therefore, as 
the earthy or animal part in man, must draw all its succour and 
support from the earth, and cannot be comforted nor subsist 
without earthly food ; so neither can the spiritual part, or the 

31 



242 JOURNAL OF 

immortal soul of man, be comforted or subsist in its true life, 
without spiritual food. 

This, and much more, I was led to open in the light of truth, 
at this solemn time ; for the Lord's power spread over the meeting 
in a very weighty and sensible manner, and we parted under 
the precious covering. Oh that our hearts might be continually 
warmed with gratitude for such unmerited mercy ! 

Fifth day. Since first day, I have been busily employed in 
putting my family affairs in order, so as to leave home in company 
with a committee appointed by the yearly meeting, to visit the 
quarterly meeting of Nine Partners, with the monthly meetings 
constituting it, this being the time to set out. I also attended the 
funeral of a deceased neighbour, on fourth day, where I had a 
favourable opportunity of expostulating with a large assembly, on 
the fallen, weak, and helpless state of man, and the necessity^ of 
his witnessing, through the aid of divine grace or spirit of his 
Creator, a redemption therefrom, as the only means whereby he 
can be saved, and be again renewed into his divine image and 
become a partaker of his real nature, as no other nature can be 
happy in the enjoyment -of him. 

I accordingly left home on sixth day, the 20th of 10th month. 
My wife and daughter Elizabeth set out with me, with a view 
of bearing me company in part of the visit. We rode through 
New- York to Westchester, and lodged with our kind friends 
Thomas and Elizabeth Underhill, in our way to West Hartford, 
in Connecticut, that being the first monthly meeting we were to 
attend, in the arrangement made by the committee. On seventh 
day we continued our journey to Middlesex, and lodged with our 
friends Samuel and Phebe Bishop. On first day attended Friends' 
meeting there; and some notice being given to the neighbouring 
inhabitants, of our intention of attending it, the meeting was 
large, and through the condescending goodness of the Shepherd 
of Israel, it proved a comfortable edifying season. The doctrines 
of the gospel were freely and largely communicated, and the 
truth raised into dominion above all, to the glory of him who is 
over all, God blessed for ever. On second day we proceeded on 
our journey, going by way of Bridgeport, in order to visit a 



ELIAS HICKS. 243 

female Friend of our acquaintance who lived in that town, far 
separated from her friends and relatives ; and whose husband 
being a seafaring man, was from home on a voyage. She was 
comforted, and glad of the visit, although short. After dining 
with her, and staying as long as our time would admit, we pro- 
ceeded that afternoon to Woodbury, and lodged with Elijah 
Sherman, a person of the Methodist persuasion, and an old 
acquaintance, where we were hospitably entertained. The next 
day we rode to West Hartford, and put up with our kind Friend 
Ruth Gilbert, widow of Charles Gilbert. Fourth day, being the 
day their usual meeting was held, we attended it; and although 
small, was nevertheless a precious favoured season. The states 
of those present were spoken to in the fresh Sowings of gospel 
love, tendering and contriiing the hearts of most present. Surely 
it was the Lord's doing, and worthy of deep thankfulness to him, 
as the alone author of every blessing. 

Fifth day. Was their monthly meeting, held at this time 
out of its usual course to accommodate the yearly meeting's com- 
mittee. It proved a satisfactory season. The few Friends con- 
stituting it, appeared to conduct the business which came before 
them, in a good degree of propriety and harmony. 

On sixth day we took leave of our friends there, and rode to 
Oblong; a long journey of about fifty-five miles, and the way 
rough and hilly. We lodged with our friend Azariah Howland, 
and the next day attended Oblong monthly meeting, which 
proved, through heavenly help, particularly the part for worship, a 
comfortable edifying meeting. Near the close, feeling a draft on 
my mind to be there the next day at their first day meeting, I 
informed Friends thereof before we parted ; and notice being 
given to the neighbouring people of my intention, the meeting 
was large; and through the unmerited condescension of our gra- 
cious Helper, ability was given to preach the gospel in the clear 
demonstration of the spirit, and with power. The spirits of most 
present were humbled and contrited, and the truth raised into 
dominion, to the praise of Him, who calleth us to glory and 
virtue. 



244 JOURNAL OF 

After this favoured meeting, we parted with our friends, under 
a lively sense of the Lord's goodness, and rode that evening to 
Nine Partners and took quarters with our kind relations Isaac 
and Anne Thorne. 

The two following days we attended the monthly meetings 
of Nine Partners and Oswego, which were, in the main, solemn 
edifying seasons. 

On fourth day we rode to Cornwall, leaving my wife and 
daughter with our relations at Nine Partners. The three follow- 
ing days, attended the monthly meetings of Cornwall, Marlbo- 
rough, and Rosendale Plains. Vfith grateful hearts, we had 
abundant cause to acknowledge the goodness, and never-failing 
loving kindness of our heavenly Father, in condescending to be 
with us from day to day, making bare his arm for our help and 
furnishing with ability for the work we were engaged in, both 
in meetings for worship, and those for the right ordering of the 
affairs of the Church. The several opportunities were crowned 
with His gracious presence, solemnizing and tendering the hearts 
of the people, and comforting and gladdening the sincere in heart, 
who prefer the prosperity of Zion to their chiefest joy. 

First day. We attended Marlborough meeting; and some 
notice having been given to those of other societies, of our intention 
of being there, the meeting was large, and the house much crowd- 
ed. Through divine favour extended to us, it proved an awakening 
precious season ; the testimony to the power of truth went forth 
and reigned victoriously over all. We tarried here until the next 
day, and then returned to Nine Partners, in order to attend the 
quarterly meeting, which opened the next day with a meeting for 
Ministers and Elders. Here I again met my wife and daughter. 
The quarterly meeting closed on fourth day afternoon, and was 
in the main an instructive favoured season, although considera- 
bly interrupted by the imprudence of a Friend, in his unwarrant- 
able opposition to a concern, which was opened to draw Friends 
off from the too free and unnecessary use of articles, which 
were the produce of the labour of the poor enslaved black people; 
and which was wrung from them, while in a state of cruel bond- 



EL IAS HICKS. 245 

age, by their hard-hearted task masters. For the sufferings of 
those oppressed people, my mind was deeply exercised. 

Fifth day. Rode to Stanford, and attended the quarterly meet- 
ing of Ministers and Elders, which through condescending good- 
ness proved a comfortable edifying opportunity, as was that for 
discipline. The following day the quarterly meeting closed, with 
a meeting for worship on seventh day. It was a season thank- 
fully to be remembered by every sensible mind present ; for he 
that opens and none can shut, and shuts and none can open, 
was graciously near, and condescended to open many deep 
doctrines of the gospel, in a full and clear manner, in the demon- 
stration of the spirit, attended with power ; humbling and solem- 
nizing the minds of most present, and exalting the truth, which 
was raised into dominion, and ran sweetly over all. 

We returned that evening to Nine Partners, intending to sit 
with Friends there the next day ; and some public notice being 
given that we were there, the meeting was large. Although it 
proved rather an exercising season, and the labour hard, yet, I 
trust, it was a season of profit and instruction to many. 

After this meeting, feeling myself released from any further 
service, the committee having fulfilled their appointment, and 
my wife feeling anxious to return home, W T e took leave of our 
friends on second day afternoon and rode to our friend Enoch 
Dorland's at Beekman. The next day we rode to Croton, and 
lodged with our friend James Jordan. On fourth day we pro- 
ceeded on our journey to Manhattanville, and lodged with our 
friend Joseph Byrd ; and the following day, attended the little 
meeting of our friends at that place. After this we rode down to 
New- York, aud took up our quarters at the house of our friend 
and kinsman Whitehead Hicks. We tarried in town until 
seventh day morning, and then took leave of our friends and 
rode home, where we arrived just before evening. 

We were from home about four weeks, in which time I travel- 
led four hundred and eighty-four miles, and attended two quar- 
terly meetings which held five days; seven monthly meetings, 
and five particular meetings. We had especial cause of gratitude 
and thankfulness of heart, to the great and beneficent Author of 



246 JOURNAL OF 

every blessing, in that our journey was prosperous, and ourselves 
preserved in a comfortable degree of bodily health during the 
time, although a season of very general indisposition with those 
among whom we travelled. 

First day, the 19th of 11th month. I sat with our friends 
again in our own meeting, and found it my place to set them an 
example of silence, feeling my situation like Mordecai's when 
sitting at the king's gate : a state as grateful to an humble mind 
as riding the king's horse, and more safe, as there is less danger 
of falling. 

Fifth day. Another silent meeting. 

Seventh day. Attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour. 
My mind was largely opened, to set forth to a large auditory 
assembled on this solemn occasion, the great and blessed effects 
of a firm belief and faith in the living God ; as it has proved an 
antidote to all evil in every age of the world, and to every indi- 
vidual who has had this true and living faith. For it is that by 
which the just live, and this the apostle saith, is our. victory, even 
our faith ; and without it, it is impossible to please God. The 
Lord's power accompanied the communication, and many hearts 
were broken and contrited by its heavenly influence ; may it not 
pass away as the morning dew, but fasten as a nail in a sure 
place, driven by the Master of our assemblies, is the fervent desire 
and prayer of my mind. 

First day, the 26th. I passed our meeting to-day mostly in 
silence, except just before the close, I found it my place to remind 
the meeting of the complaint of the apostle Paul in his epistle to 
his beloved Timothy, concerning some in that day, who were 
ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the 
truth. The occasion of this was, as it opened on my mind, their 
neglect of practical duty, and unfaithfulness in what they styled 
little things; and thereby rendered themselves unfit and unworthy 
of being made rulers over more ; and yet were continually seek- 
ing after knowledge in greater tilings, through the medium of 
the outward ear, and creaturely comprehension ; loving to hear 
the truth declared and doctrines communicated, but unwilling 
and neglectful of putting them in practice ; and therefore made 



EJLIAS HICKS. 247 

no advancement in true learning. I had to warn my friends to be 
careful not to render themselves liable to the same reprehension, 
and found sweet peace in this smah portion of duty. 

The rest of the week I spent about home, being- somewhat 
indisposed. Sat our fifth day meeting in silence, quietly waiting, 
as at the king's gate, for renewed instruction. 

First day, the 3d of 12th month. My mind has been much/ 
shut up since I returned home. Sat our meeting again to-day 
in silence ; but felt a daily exercise and concern relative to a 
religious visit in New England, which has for months past, been 
ripening on my mind ; but have a prospect of some services about 
home, ere I engage therein. Lay low, oh my soul 1 that thou 
mayest be rightly and wisely directed therein ; for thou well 
knowest the greatness, and vast importance of the work thou art 
called to ; and that of thyself, thou art utterly destitute of any 
right ability to perform i(r to thy own good, or to the glory and 
honour of thy chiefest good, who is the Lord alone, thy gracious 
and all-sufficient helper. 

Second and third days. Attended to some necessary concerns 
about home, preparatory to the approaching winter. On fourth 
day afternoon rode to Flushing, in order to attend the monthly 
meeting the following day, with a further prospect of having 
two other meetings on sixth and seventh days, one at Newtown, 
and the other at the Kilns, in my way to New- York, where I felt 
drawings on my mind to be on first day. Accordingly after at- 
tending the monthly meeting, having the company of my kind 
kinsman Isaac Hicks from Westbury, with the assistance of some 
Friends of Flushing, we procured the appointment of a meeting 
the next evening at Newtown at the sixth hour, principally for 
those not in membership with us. As there were no Friends 
residing in the village, the meeting was held in a large upper 
room at an inn, which was nearly filled with sober and orderly 
behaved people. Through heavenly help, it proved a comfortable 
edifying season ; the doctrines of the gospel were freely and largely 
opened, apparently to the general satisfaction of those present, 
and many hearts were humbled and contrited. 

The next day we attended an appointed meeting in Friends 3 



248 JOURNAL OF 

meeting-house at the Kilns. Although not large, yet it proved 
a precious tendering opportunity to most present, worthy to be 
remembered with thankfulness and gratitude to the blessed Author 
of all our multiplied favours and blessings. After this we dined 
with our kind friend Jane Betts, and then proceeded to the city. 

First day. We attended Pearl-street meeting in the morning, 
and that at Liberty-street in the afternoon. In the former, the 
testimony of truth went forthwith power, and its dignity and 
excellency were exalted over all opposition, to the praise of Him 
who is calling and leading all his devoted and obedient children 
out of darkness into his marvellous light, wherein they are 
brought to witness a full remission of their sins, and an inherit- 
ance among all those that are sanctified. The latter meeting I 
sat mostly in silence ; but towards the close, I was led forth in a 
short searching testimony, which brought a solemnity over the 
meetings under which covering the meeting closed. 

Second day. I attended a committee of the meeting for suf- 
ferings, and in the afternoon a funeral of one not a member, but 
whose parents were inclined to Friends, and frequently attended 
Friends' meetings. They hearing of my being in town, requested 
my attendance at the funeral; and being disposed thereto, I 
attended accordingly, and had an open time to declare the truth 
to those present, suited to the occasion, and many minds were 
humbled. 

Third day. I attended the meeting for sufferings, and on 
fourth day the meeting held in the middle of the week at Pearl- 
street, at which there was a marriage ; which occasioned the 
meeting to be quite large, and in which my mind was exercised 
in an unusual manner. For the subject which first presented, 
after my mind had become silenced, was the remembrance of the 
manner in which the temporal courts among men are called to 
order ; and it became so impressive, as to apprehend it, right 
to make use of it as a simile, much in the wa}^ the prophet 
was led to make use of some of the Rechabites, to convict Israel 
of their disobedience and want of attention to their law and 
taw-giver. I accordingly w;x led to cry audibly three times. 
" O yes, O yes, O yes ; silence all persons, under the pain and 



ELIAS HICKS. 249 

penalty of the displeasure of the court." This unusual address 
had a powerful tendency to arrest the attention of all present, 
and from which I took occasion, as truth opened the way, to rea- 
son with the assembly, that if such a confused mass of people as 
are generally collected together on such occasions, and from very 
different motives, and many from mere curiosity to hear and see 
the transactions of the court, should all in an instant so honour 
and respect the court, as immediately to be still and silent at the 
simple call of the crier : how much more reasonable is it, for a 
collection of people, promiscuously gathered to the place appointed 
in a religious way, to wait upon, and worship the Judge of heaven 
and earth, to be still, and strive to silence every selfish and crea- 
turely thought and cogitation of the mind. For such thoughts 
and cogitations would as certainly prevent our hearing the in- 
ward divine voice of the King of heaven, and as effectually hin- 
der our worshipping him in spirit and in truth, as the talking 
of the multitude at a court of moral law, would interrupt the 
business thereof. As I proceeded with this simile, the subject 
enlarged and spread, accompanied with gospel power and the 
evident demonstration of the spirit, whereby truth was raised into 
victory, and ran as oil over all. The meeting closed with solemn 
supplication and thanksgiving to the Lord our gracious Helper, 
to whom all the honour and glory belong, both now and for ever. 

We left the city that afternoon, under a grateful sense of the 
Lord's goodness, and rode to Flushing, where we had a large 
public meeting that evening, mostly of those not in membership 
with us. It was a solemn season, instructive and edifying. I 
returned home the next day, and found my family in a reason- 
able state of health ; surely may I not, with propriety and humility 
of heart, exclaim with one formerly : " What shall I render unto 
the Lord for all his benefits towards me ?" Are not his mercies 
new every morning ? his faithfulness faileth not. 

Sixth and seventh days. I was industriously occupied in my 
family affairs, and the week ended with peace of mind. 

First day, the 17th. I was led in our meeting to-day, to call 
Friends' attention to the cross ; assuring them, that if we lived 
without the cross, we must expect to die without the crown. For 

32 



250 JOURNAL OF 

as the cross consisted only in doing right, and doing right only in 
a conformity to the will of our heavenly Father, and doing all 
our works agreeable to his good pleasure and not our own, 
therefore, doing right is always a cross to our fallen nature, as 
nothing can do right in the sight of God, but a birth or child of 
God. For although a man in his fallen state may do a moral 
act, that in itself is a right work, yet, doing it for his own plea- 
sure and will, and not because it is agreeable to the will and 
pleasure of his Creator, it cannot be accepted as a good act, 
because the motive and principle were evil, being selfish and 
not of God. 

Second day. Busily employed about home and in home affairs. 

Third day. Yisited a sick friend at his request. Assisted him 
in settling his business and wrote his will. Surely this is a work 
which requires sound judgment and discretion, therefore ought 
always to be done in time of health, with proper deliberation, and 
not in haste. 

Fourth day. Attended Westbury monthly meeting, to my 
own, and I trust, my friends comfort and satisfaction. I believe 
it was a season of instruction and profit to many who were pre- 
sent ; may it fasten as a nail in a sure place. 

Fifth day. Attended our own monthly meeting. The meet- 
ing for worship, through close labour, proved a quickening ten- 
dering season to many present. In the meeting for discipline, I 
found it my duty to spread before my Friends, a concern which 
had for many months been, at times, very impressive on my mind, 
to pay a visit in gospel love, to Friends and others in some pails 
of the yearly meeting of Rhode Island. After due deliberation 
thereon, they united with it and gave me their certificate, leaving 
me at liberty to pursue the prospect, as truth might open the 
way. This brought me under serious reflections, in a view and 
consideration of the great responsibility which naturally attaches 
to those who thus go out on this solemn embassy, with the con- 
currence of their Friends. For not only their own reputation as 
ministers of the gospel, must rise or fall, according to their good 
or ill conduct, but likewise that of their Friends, and the society 
they profess to be ministers of; and also, the truth which they 



ELIAS HICKS. 251 

seem to espouse, instead of being advanced, may be retarded 
thereby. Lay prostrate, O my soul, at the throne of grace, and 
seek that wisdom which is only profitable to direct, that thou 
mayest be thereby strengthened to endure hardness, as a good 
soldier and servant of the Prince of Peace. 

Sixth and seventh days. Busily employed in so arranging 
matters at home, as to leave it with a peaceful mind. 

First day, the 24th. A profitable edifying meeting with my 
Friends at home. I was led to sound forth a gospel message 
among them, in an arousing searching testimony, by which many 
minds were humbled and contrited. 

Second and third -days. Employed in making preparation for 
my proposed journey. 

Fourth day. Attended Friends' meeting at Westbury, at 
which there were two marriages accomplished ; which occasioned 
the meeting to be very large. Many of other societies came out 
of curiosity to see the manner of our marriages, amongst whom, 
I was largely opened in communication, to set forth many gospel 
truths necessary to be believed and witnessed in our own expe- 
rience, in order to our salvation. It was a season of favour, and 
a very solemn time ; may it be blessed and sanctified to the 
lasting benefit of all who were present, is the fervent desire and 
travail of my spirit. 

Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence. The two fol- 
lowing days busily engaged in arranging my temporal concerns, 
and putting them in order, that I may leave home with a peace- 
ful mind. 

First day, the 31st. A solemn meeting to-day, in which my 
mind was led forth in humble supplication for support and pre- 
servation in my proposed journey ; and that the Lord our gracious 
helper, in his guardian care, would be pleased to be near my 
dear family and friends at home, and be their comfort ana 
strength in every needful time; and that all those who sit in 
darkness and the shadow of death, might be redeemed there- 
from, and translated into the kingdom of God, that so his truth 
might prosper and spread from sea to sea, and from the rivers 
to the ends of the earth ; that his great and excellent name 



252 JOURNAL OP 

might be praised and magnified by all the nations of the earth, 
from the rising of the sun, to the going down thereof, world 
without end. Amen. 

Second and third days. Still busily engaged preparatory to 
leaving home, with a prospect of setting out on fourth day morn- 
ing, if way should open. 






ELIAS HICKS. 



253 



CHAPTER XL 

General visit to Friends in New England, 1816. 

Fourth day, the 3d of 1st month, 1816. After taking a 
solemn and affecting opportunity with my dear wife and children, 
I took leave of them under a sense of the Lord's goodness and 
gracious regard, and proceeded on my intended journey. Called 
on my kind kinsman Isa&c Hicks, of Westbury, who had pre- 
viously concluded to go with me as a companion. We proceeded 
that afternoon to New- York, where we tarried over the next 
day. On sixth day morning we left the city, and arrived at 
Bridgeport, in Connecticut, on seventh day evening, where we 
had a small though comfortable meeting, the next day, at the house 
of Thomas "Woodward, whose wife was a member of our society. 
After this we proceeded to New Haven ; and lodged. On second 
day we rode to Hartford, and lodged. 

On third and fourth days, rode to Leicester, and lodged with 
our friend Pliny Earle. On fifth day had an appointed meeting 
there, at the eleventh hour. A number of the neighbouring 
people, not of our society, attended with Friends, among whom 
was their priest. It was, I think, a season of favour, in 
which my heart and mouth were opened, under, I trust, the 
influence of gospel love, to declare the way of life and salvation 
to the people ; proving from the scriptures, and clear rational 
demonstration, that nothing short of the inspiring spirit of truth, 
could enable any rational creature to make the least progress in 
a real Christian life, or qualify to worship the Father of spirits, 
in spirit and in truth ; and that a confession to all, or any creeds 
or forms of religion, however specious in their appearance, without 
the immediate aid of this inspiring spirit, would, in the end, leave 



254 JOURNAL OP 

the soul in utter disappointment. I was also led to show the 
unreasonableness and inconsistency of the doctrine of uncon- 
ditional election, and reprobation, and that it was impossible to 
be drawn from a right and enlightened view of the divine 
character. 

There occurred one circumstance in the meeting, which) as it 
was in itself improper, and gave some interruption to my mind, 
I am willing to mention as a caution. When the meeting had 
got pretty quietly settled, and my mind opened with a prospect 
to stand up, just before I was about to rise, there came in a 
stranger, in appearance ; and a Friend who sat near me spoke to 
him to come forward, and called him parson, meaning a priest, 
which I was very sorry to be informed of: for I think that 
Friends ought to be exceedingly careful, never to inform travel- 
ling ministers the state or condition of those who attend their 
meetings, as it not only has a tendency to close up the way very 
much, of real gospel ministers, but when close and plain things 
are delivered, they often are judged of having outward information 
of the condition of those to whom it applies ; which, if it be the 
case, it would most likely be the means of rendering their labour 
useless; but if from inquiry such find that the speaker was utterly 
ignorant of them, from any outward discovery, it is then much 
more likely to fix on their minds and become useful. 

After dining with our friends, we proceeded on our journey 
about thirteen miles that evening, with a view of endeavouring to 
get an opportunity with Friends at Bolton, the next day; but the 
morning opened with a pretty severe snow storm, which rendered 
it impracticable. However, we proceeded in the morning through 
the snow, and with much difficulty reached that place, where we 
tarried until, first day. We had then a very comfort able edifying 
meeting with Friends; and continued there, at the house of our 
kind friend John Fry, until second day morning, and then pro- 
ceeded to Lynn. 

On third day, the 16th, we proceeded to Seabrook, in order to 
attend the quarterly meeting, which opened the next day with a 
meeting of Ministers and Elders. On fifth day was the quarterly 
meeting for discipline, preceded by a meeting for worship. It 



ELIAS HICKS, 255 

was a season of favour, especially the meeting for worship, 
wherein my mind was largely opened to preach the gospel in the 
demonstration of the spirit, to the comfort and edification of the 
upright in heart; many being reduced into a state of humble 
contrition and thankfulness for the unmerited mercy. 

On sixth day we proceeded to Epping, where, by previous 
notice, we had a meeting in the evening, in which the Lord's 
power a^td presence presided in a very eminent manner ; and 
his truth raised into victory over all, and ran as oil, quieting and 
solemnizing every thing that stood in opposition to its pure holy 
influence. I scarcely ever was at a meeting, wherein all were 
so swallowed up in a profound solemnity, that when the meeting 
closed, it was sometime before any removed from their seats. 
Surely it was the Lord's doing. 

From thence we went the next day to Lee, and- had a small 
comfortable meeting at the eleventh hour, and then proceeded to 
Dover. On first day attended Friends' meeting there at the 
eleventh hour, at the close of which, feeling a draft of love 
towards the inhabitants of the town at large, with the unity of 
Friends, there was a meeting appointed in the evening, and 
general invitation given ; at which there was a very large collec- 
tion of the various sects, amongst Whom my mind was largely 
opened, and my tongue loosed, I trust, by Him who opens, and 
none can shut, and shuts and none can open, to declare of the 
things concerning the kingdom of God, and to point out to the 
people, in a very, clear manner, the way of life and salvation, 
unfolding many important doctrines of the gospel, in the clear 
demonstration of the spirit, bowing and humbling many minds 
present, and rejoicing the hearts of the faithful ; under a sense 
whereof my mind was bowed in deep abasedness for the favour. 
Next morning we proceeded to Berwick, and had an instructive 
edifying meeting there in the evening, wherein many hearts, 
with mine own, were made thankful. The next day we pro- 
ceeded to Portland, a town on Casco Bay. The following day, 
being the fourth of the week, we rode to Falmouth, and attended 
their select meeting, constituted of the Ministers and Elders 
belonging to Falmouth meeting. It was small, and the business 



256 JOURNAL OF 

conducted in a very weak, and, in my view, a very improper 
manner ; for, previous to the meeting-, it appeared that the clerk 
had, at his leisure, entered the business of the meeting, as though 
at meeting, and made answers to all the queries ; so that when 
the meeting collected, they had nothing to do, but to hear him 
read over what he had before written, and which, without any 
alteration, was approved ; some representatives to the quarterly 
meeting appointed, and the meeting closed. On taking a view of 
the subject, I was led to believe that meetings, held in such a way, 
brought no honour to the cause, nor strength nor profit, to those 
who attend them. 

At the close of the meeting, we rode to our friend John Wins- 
low's, and lodged ; and the next day attended Falmouth monthly 
meeting. The two following days we attended the select meeting 
at Windham, and their monthly meeting. First day attended 
Windham meeting ; and on second day, an appointed meeting 
at Gorham, On third, day we rested, and wrote. On fourth 
da)^ their quarterly meeting opened at Windham, which closed 
on fifth day. Sixth day, had an appointed meeting at Falmouth. 
On seventh day rode to Durham ; and on first day attended 
their meeting, which was large, notice having been given to the 
neighbouring inhabitants of our coming. Second day, rode 
back to Portland, and had an appointed meeting with Friends 
and others that evening. On third day attended an appointed 
meeting at Cape Elizabeth, and then returned to Portland, and 
had a large public meeting in the evening. On fourth day we 
were at Scarborough. 

I then felt my mind released from any further service in this 
quarter ; but before I proceed, am led in humble gratitude and 
thankfulness of heart, to acknowledge the goodness and mercy 
of Israel's Shepherd, who, in his never-failing love, was graciously 
near from place to place, and clothed the assemblies with his 
presence and power, opening my mind in every meeting for 
worship, to preach the gospel, humbling and contritihg many 
minds, and comforting i\\)i\ edifying the willing and upright m 
heart. Surely it is the Lord lluil workelh in us and for us; 
magnified mid adored he. his right worthy name, both now 



ELIAS HICKS. 257 

and for ever, to whom all the praise belongs: nothing due to 
man. 

After the meeting at Scarborough, I went with my kind friend 
William Cobb to his house at Gorham, he having taken me in 
his chaise from Portland to Scarborough ; for our way of travel- 
ling was with a sled : but the snow on the seacoast was so wasted 
as to render it difficult getting along with it. It was therefore 
concluded that my companion should go back into the country 
to Gorham, where the snow was more abundant ; and William 
accompanied me as aforesaid. We met again in the evening at 
his house, and the next day returned to Berwick, and the day 
following to Dover. 

On seventh day I proceeded to Rochester, accompanied by 
Thomas Stackpole. My companion being unwell, it was thought 
best for him to rest until our return. We attended the upper 
meeting in that town in the evening ; and the next day, at the 
eleventh hour, were at the lower meeting. After this we returned 
to Dover, to attend a meeting in the evening, which had been 
concluded to be appointed previous to my going out ; and general 
notice having been given, it was very large. They were all 
seasons of favour, in which the Lord's presence was felt to preside, 
and truth raised into dominion; particularly the last, wherein my 
heart and mouth were largely opened, and the gospel preached 
in the demonstration of the spirit, attended with power, solem- 
nizing this large assembly. Truth reigned, and the meeting 
closed with humble supplication and prayer to the Lord. 

Second day, the 12th of 2d month. We returned to Seabrook, 
to the house of our kind friend Joseph Phillbrick, and had an 
appointed meeting there that evening. The next day proceeded 
to Almsbury and Newbury, and had a meeting at each place, the 
latter in the evening. They were open favoured seasons, particu- 
larly the meeting at Almsbury, in which truth prevailed, and rau 
as oil over all. A ministering friend observed, after the meeting, 
that he believed the witness was raised in every mind present. 
It was indeed a precious strengthening opportunity to my own 
mind: may the honour and praise be all ascribed to Israel's 
Shepherd, to whom it is altogether due. How deeply humbling 



258 JOURNAL OF 

are such continued mercies, dispensed to us poor unworthy crea- 
tures. Lay low, O my soul ! for thou well knowest that it is the 
Lord's power only, clothed in righteous judgment and never-fail- 
ing mercy, that has raised thee from the dunghill, where thou 
hadst plunged thyself by thy own follies ; yea, it is he who has 
plucked thy feet out of the mire and clay of sin, and set them on 
a rock, and strengthened thee in faith to believe, that as thou 
dwellest in deep humiliation before him, resting on his mercy, 
until self is fully mortified, and the old man with his deeds is 
utterly crucified, he will establish thy going, and put a new song 
into thy mouth, even eternal praises to thy God. Even so be it. 
Amen. 

We left New T bury on fourth day morning, and returned to 
Salem, and attended their meeting, the next day, as it came 
in course, at which there was a marriage accomplished be- 
tween two. worthy Friends, elders in society. It was a com- 
fortable edifying season, in which I was led to set forth the 
deep and solemn obligations which mutually attach to the 
parties entering into the marriage covenant — obligations that 
can never be rightly and harmoniously fulfilled, so as to render 
the parties truly happy together, unless they are of one mind 
and one heart, in all matters of importance, but more espe- 
cially in regard to their principles of religion and faith ; for if 
these are diverse, it will most likely imbitter their enjoyments, 
and produce discord in their family, and tend to wound and 
distract the minds of their children, should they be favoured with 
any. It therefore bespeaks great presumption and folly in young 
people to risk the attempt, especially on such slender reasons as 
are commonly brought forward as a plea, that one of the parties 
may change their opinion, and come to unite with the other. 
This, however, is very fallacious, as such change is uncertain ; 
and no man of reason will trust thereto in the most trivial matters, 
for each generally suppose themselves in the right, and look for 
the other to condescend and conform ; and therefore the breach 
often becomes greater. 

On sixth day evening, wc had an appointed meeting for the 
inhabitants of the town in general. It was very large, consisting 



ELIAS HICKS. 259 

of the various religious sects, and some of almost every description 
of people, who commonly reside in such populous towns. I was 
largely opened among them in the line of the ministry, in which 
I was led to set forth the excellency of man's primitive state, 
before the fall, in which he was placed by the wisdom and good- 
ness of his all-wise and gracious Creator, and furnished with 
sufficient light and understanding to know that he was altogether 
the work of his almighty power, and that he derived his life and 
existence, with every other blessing he had, or could have, from 
his bountiful hand ; under a just sense whereof, while he stood in 
this happy state, every desire of his soul flowed with a continual 
ascent to him, as his only comforter and preserver. In this state 
he realized the condition the apostle reminds us of in this exhorta- 
tion : "Rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing; and in every 
thing give thanks :" this being the only true delineation of a 
faithful servant of God. But from this happy state man fell, by 
a wrong use and abuse of those powers and Capacities conferred 
on him as a free agent, and without which he neither could have 
known nor served his God : therefore, man's fall was altogether 
an act of his own choice, contrary to known duty ; and had it 
not been so, he could not possibly have felt guilt and condemna- 
tion for what he had done. 

I was also led to open to the people that the great end of 
Christ's coming was to introduce the gospel, which is the last 
and most blessed dispensation of God to the children of men, as 
by it only can man be restored to this primitive state, and without 
which restoration he cannot effectually eerve God in spirit. This 
gospel our Lord told his disciples his Father would send them in 
his name, and which is the Holy Ghost or power of God sent 
down from heaven, which well agrees with the doctrine of the 
apostle Paul, where he tells us, that the gospel of Christ " is the 
power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth." This 
therefore supposes, that those who do not obey the spirit of truth, 
or Holy Ghost, which convinces them of sin, do not believe the 
gospel, and therefore are not benefitted by it : of course they 
remain under the power and dominion of sin. 

After this favoured meeting, I felt myself much indisposed 



260 JOURNAL OF 

with a very severe cold and fever, and had to keep house until 
the next, third clay, when we proceeded to Lynn. The following 
day we attended their meeting held in the middle of the week ; 
and notice being given of our intention of being there, it was 
large. The power of truth went forth freely, tendering many 
minds, and comforting the faithful and upright in heart. 

The next day we proceeded on our way to Long Plain, where 
we arrived the day following, about noon. Had a meeting there 
that evening. The day after had a meeting at the eleventh 
hour, at Accushnet. They were both favoured meetings. 

We then proceeded to New Bedford ; and the next day, the 
first of the week, and 25th of 2d month, we attended their fore- 
noon and afternoon meetings. In these my mind was largely 
opened in gospel communication, tending to expose the man of 
sin and son of perdition, manifesting that he was nothing but 
self in man, and showing that, in his mysterious workings, in 
leading man to endeavour to imitate God, in doing good and per- 
forming acts under the show of religion and religious worship, 
but all done in his own will and time, the whole mystery of 
iniquity is comprehended. For in man's thus turning away 
from God and the inspirings of his holy spirit, consists his fall, 
as he takes upon himself an independent state, and assumes the 
right of self-government, and becomes his own director ; there- 
fore, his salvation wholly consists in surrendering up this self- 
ability, letting it die on the cross, and returning into a state of full 
submission to the leading and sole guidance of the inspiring 
spirit of God. My mind wao largely opened on these and other 
truths of the gospel in those meetings, whereby truth was raised 
into dominion over all, to the comfort and peace of my own mind, 
and to the apparent satisfaction, instruction, and edification of 
the rightly exercised and seeking minds present. 

The three following days we attended meetings at Newtown, 
Centre, and the monthly meeting of Dartmouth; of Aponegansett. 
In each of these I was largely opened in gospel communication, 
particularly in the last. The truth was powerfully raised into 
dominion over all, spiralling ;i precious solemnity over the iiuvl 
ing, and much contrition of spirit was manifested. It was the 



ELIAS HICKS. 261 

Lord's doing, and to him belongs all the praise of his own work, 
nothing due to the creature but blushing and confusion of face. 

Fifth and sixth days. We had meetings at Acoaksett, alias 
West Port, and Little Compton. In both the gospel was preached 
in truth's authority; the latter especially was a powerful melting 
season to most present, inspiring the mind with deep thankfulness 
and gratitude to the bountiful Author of every blessing. 

On seventh day we proceeded to Newport, on Rhode Island, 
and attended Friends' forenoon and afternoon meetings on first 
day. On second day, had an appointed meeting at Portsmouth. 
After this, with peace of mind, we left the island that afternoon, 
and went to Tiverton, and lodged with our kind friend Joseph 
Barker. We had an appointed meeting there the next day, and 
the day following were at Swansey. Truth was eminently 
exalted in these meetings, especially the latter, which was a 
powerful baptizing season, in which the Lord's presence was 
witnessed, and much brokenness and contrition of spirit was 
spread over the meeting. This was witnessed, not only by 
Friends, but by many others not in profession with us, encou- 
raging and gladdening every sincere mind for the unmerited 
favour. After this solemn meeting, we took leave of our Friends, 
and rode that afternoon to Providence. 

The next day we attended Friends' meeting there, as it came 
in course, in which my mind was led to exemplify and set forth, 
the excellency and blessed effects of true and strict justice in all 
our dealings and commerce between man and man, as rational 
social beings ; which was introduced into my mind by the re- 
membrance of this saying of the wisest of men, viz. Solomon : 
" Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any 
people." My mind was opened to show the great and essential 
difference there is, between the righteousness of man, as compre- 
hended in, and tolerated by the laws, customs, edicts and tradi- 
tions of men, and the righteousness of God, which is altogether 
comprehended in pure, equal, impartial and unchangeable justice: 
showing that every act of man, which is not in conformity to 
this pure and impartial justice, is sin ; and that whatever we do 
that has a tendency, either directly or indirectly, to counteract 



262 JOURNAL OF 

this pure, simple, impartial justice, cannot be considered as any 
part of that righteousness which exalts a nation, as it cannot 
bring glory to God; for no righteousness, but God's righteous- 
ness, wrought in man by this pure principle of justice, can possi- 
bly glorify him, as this must be the foundation of every virtue in 
man. 

It was a season of close searching labour, by which the hidden 
things of Esau, or the first nature, in which the serpentine wis- 
dom works, deceiving multitudes ; was brought to light and 
exposed: especially that cunning sophistical reasoning in the 
wisdom of this world, which many people are making use of to 
justify themselves, and thereby stifle and put to silence the con- 
victions of conscience, while acting in direct opposition to this 
pure principle of justice ; by continuing a traffic in, and making 
themselves rich, by a commerce in the produce of the labour of 
the poor, afflicted and deeply oppressed Africans and their de- 
scendants, held in a state of slavery by the mere force of war, 
and which is wrested from them without their consent. Truth 
was exalted over all, and unrighteousness exposed, and its evil 
effects on societies and individuals manifested. 

After this arduous meeting, not feeling myself clear of the 
town, I appointed another meeting in the evening. Public notice 
being given, it was large, not only of the white inhabitants, but 
a large number of the people of colour also attended. It was a 
season of favour, and much doctrine was communicated, suited 
to the states of those present ; tending to the edification and 
instruction of the seeking minds of the varied sects, many of 
whom were collected in this solemn assembly. I closed with a 
peaceful mind, and the next day we proceeded to Scituate, and 
had a very edifying tendering meeting there. 

The day following, being the first of the week, we were at 
Friends' meeting at Foster. It was a small meeting of Friends, 
but a very considerable number of the neighbouring people came 
in of different persuasions. I was led to open and explain among 
them many essential doctrines of Christianity) which, crossing the 
carnal views of these outside professors, and striking at their 
creaturely activity in their religious services, I felt as I proceeded 



ELIAS HICKS. 



263 



a strong spirit of opposition in some of this .description, but truth 
favoured so that no outward opposition was manifested, and the 
meeting closed under a covering of solemn quiet. 

On second day evening we attended an appointed meeting in 
Friends' meeting-house at Plainfield. There are but few Friends 
belonging to this meeting, the whole consisting of but three fami- 
lies ; but a considerable number of their neighbours came in and 
sat with us. We likewise appointed another meeting the next 
day at a Friend's house in the northern part of this town, at the 
second hour in the afternoon, which was well attended by the 
neighbouring people. These two last meetings closed my visit to 
Friends and others, in the compass of Rhode Island yearly meet- 
ing. They were opportunities of favour, in which much gospel 
instruction was communicated, to the general edification, comfort 
and satisfaction of the people, and which was acknowledged by 
many of them. In parting with them I felt the incomes of sweet 
peace, as a crown to all my deep exercises and ardent gospel 
labours, in this visit to Friends and others in the compass of 
that yearly meeting : a sense of which humbles my mind in 
deep thankfulness and gratitude, to the bountiful Author of 
all our mercies and blessings, who is over all, God blessed for 
ever. 

We proceeded from thence on fourth day, directly to the city of 
Hartford ; and on fifth day evening had a large meeting there, 
held in a meeting-house belonging to the Baptists. I was led 
forth among them in a large doctrinal testimony, showing that 
Christ's coming in the flesh, was designed to supersede the dis- 
pensation of Moses, which stood in mere legal righteousness, 
consisting of carnal ordinances, and relating only to the outward 
or animal body, made up of circumcision, outward sacrifices, ele- 
mentary washings and cleansings, and the blood of slain beasts, 
<fec. : all which were only outward, and therefore could not effect 
the soul, nor make the comers thereunto perfect, as pertaining 
to the conscience. 

I was likewise led to open the nature of the true Christian 
Sabbath, which is the antitype of the typical one, and does not 
consist in a rest to the body merely for a day, but in a perpetual 



264 JOURNAL OF 

rest to the soul by its coming into Christ, and submitting to the 
government of his spirit, and entirely ceasing from its own will- 
ings and runnings, by which reconciliation is witnessed, and peace 
made with our heavenly Father. These things and much 
more, I had to open to the people, in the fresh feelings of the love 
and life of truth, which was exalted over all. The next day we 
rode to Woodbury, with a prospect of obtaining a religious oppor- 
tunity with the. people ; but way not opening for it, we proceeded 
the day after to New Milford, and the next day being the first of 
the week, we had a comfortable edifying meeting with Friends, 
and a large collection of their neighbours with them. 

After this, we rode that afternoon to Oblong, and the next day 
attended the monthly meeting there. In the meeting for wor- 
ship, the Lord's power was eminently exalted, and truth was 
raised into dominion ; the season was deeply instructive and edi- 
fying. The day after we had an appointed meeting in the town 
of Patterson, where no Friend resides. It was held in a school- 
house, and proved, through divine favour, an instructive bap- 
tizing season. From thence we proceeded to the Valley, and the 
following day had a precious strengthening opportunity with 
Friends and others, in Friends' meeting-house there. 

We then rode to North Salem, and the next day being their 
meeting day in the middle of the week, we attended it : and 
notice being given that we were there, it was considerably en- 
larged by a number of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in. 
The forepart of the meeting was exercising : my mind, in silent 
waiting, was dipped into a deep sense of poverty and darkness, 
and as I sat patiently under the impression, I was led gradually 
into a view of the cause, which appeared to be too much erea- 
turely activity and a IVoward w iJl. As light began to arise and 
expel the darkness, there was brought to remembrance these ex- 
pression* of Solomon: "Keep thy foot when thou gaedt to the 
house of God, and be moire ready to bear, than to gi\e tibe sacri- 
fice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil :" and also, 
"But the talk of the lips tendefh only to penury** 5 These 
were opened in away thai led to communication, in which I 
had v to show the very hurtful tendency of creaturely activity in 



ELIAS HICKS. 265 

matters of religion and religious worship, and the absolute ne- 
cessity of a complete redemption from self, and all self motives, in 
the great work of our salvation. As I proceeded, the life rose, and 
truth prevailed and spread over the meeting in an eminent 
manner. After this favoured meeting, I found there was suffi- 
cient cause for my exercise ; and I was glad that I was altogether 
ignorant of it from any outward information. 

The next day we had an appointed meeting at Amawalk. 
It was favoured with the Lord's presence and power; and many 
hearts were contrited and made thankful, under a sense of his 
continued mercy. 

We proceeded from thence to Peekskill, where, by previous 
appointment, we had a meeting the following day, which was 
crowned with the Lord's blessing. Surely the Lord is good and 
gracious, and his mercy endureth for ever; for did he deal with 
us according to our deserts^, surely we might ere now all have 
been consumed : for as I passed along from place to place, I dis- 
covered great unfaithfulness, and want of right submission to the 
divine will, with many Friends as well as others ; under a feel- 
ing sense whereof, I was often led in a line of close searching 
doctrine, by which the hidden things of Esau, or the works of 
the first birth or fallen nature were brought to light and exposed, 
in a way that showed it was the Lord's doing : and my heart, 
with the hearts of the faithful few were made glad in his power, 
and his everlasting loving kindness to the children of men, 

The next day being the first of the week, we attended Croton 
meeting. The number of Friends there is small, but the meet- 
ing was large for that place, for many of other societies came in. 
The doctrines of the gospel were freely and largely preached 
among them, to the instruction and edification, I believe, of most 
present, and to the peace and comfort of my own mind. 

Our next meeting was at Shapaqua, which was large, and a 
favoured season. The two following days we had meetings at 
Croton Yalley and North Castle, in both of which I was helped 
to clear myself among the people in a line of plain doctrine. The 
next day and the fifth of the week, we had an appointed meeting 
at Purchase, which was a large satisfactory meeting. The two 

34 



266 JOURNAL OP 

following days we attended meetings at Mamaroneck and West- 
chester ; in both of which, the Lord's power was manifested for 
our help, and the gospel preached in the demonstration thereof, 
and its divine influence tendered and contrited many hearts ; 
especially in the latter, which being the last meeting I had in 
this journey, it proved a crowning season, in which truth was 
raised into victory over all, and the Lord's name praised and 
magnified for his goodness and marvellous loving kindness to the 
children of men. After this solemn meeting I felt myself at 
liberty to return home, where I arrived safe that evening, and 
found most of my family in usual health. 

I was from home nearly three months in this journey, travel- 
led upwards of one thousand miles, and attended fifty-nine par- 
ticular, three monthly, and two quarterly meetings. 

First day, the 31st of- 3d month, 1816. Having returned from 
my aforesaid journey last evening, .sat with Friends in our own 
meeting to-day. I felt things to be very low in a religious sense, 
and my mind clothed with much poverty, which appeared to me 
in the openings of truth, to be occasioned by Friends suffering 
their minds to be too much overwhelmed with the surfeiting cares 
of this life, which I was led to open to them in a plain though 
tender manner. It had a reaching effect on the meeting, and 
contrited many hearts ; may it fasten as a nail in a sure place, is 
the fervent desire of my mind. 

Fifth day. Since first day I have been somewhat circum- 
stanced as Mordecai formerly at the king's gate, waiting and watch- 
ing in much poverty of spirit, against intervening temptations, 
while making some necessary arrangements respecting my tem- 
poral affairs ; being desirous that they may all be so conducted, 
under the ordering and limitation of truth, as to accord with the 
will of my heavenly Father, and thereby bring glory to his excel- 
lent name. Sat our meeting to-day in silence. 

Sixth and seventh days. Nothing transpired requiring par- 
ticular notice. 

First day. I was led in our meeting to-day, under a sense of 
the great want among mankind in general of a right concern to 
Uvome acquainted with their Creator, to set forth the great loss 



EL I AS HICKS, 267 

and suffering which must necessarily result to them from this 
state of ignorance, and want of the true knowledge of God, and 
of his will concerning them. 

Seventh day, the 13th of 4th month. This week has passed 
since first day, without, feeling sufficient to warrant making a 
short note ; but being at present musing on the past time, and feel- 
ing no condemnation, although I had passed the present week 
mostly in caring for my temporal concerns ; yet not so much, I 
trust, from the love I have for the world or the things of it, but 
more especially from a sense of duty, that I may honestly pro- 
vide for the outward welfare of myself and family, and have, 
through the blessing of a kind and benevolent Providence on my 
frugal industry, a sufficiency when called from my home and 
from every temporal enjoyment there, for the gospel's sake, to 
keep the gospel free from charge, and that I abuse not my power 
in the gospel. For this care, I often fear is too much wanting by 
some who go out on that solemn embassy; which, if not guarded 
against, may not only tend to frustrate the end of their labours, 
but prove a stone of stumbling to many seeking minds. For 
how inconsistent it must appear in those who profess to have 
taken up their cross to self and the world, to follow their self- 
denying Saviour in the plain path of duty, to be anxious about 
what they shall eat or drink, or what they shall wear : or mani- 
fest a desire after praise or applause from their Friends or 
others, or have their hands and hearts open to receive the gratui- 
ties of the rich. For all these may be considered when sought 
after, as bribes to the receivers, and it places such under the ap- 
pellation of hirelings ; for although there may not have been any 
previous contract, yet, receiving benefits in that way, I conceive, 
will bring the receiver under obligations to the giver, and place 
the individual in a situation not fit for a free minister of the 
gospel. 

First day. Sat our meeting to-day mostly in silence, and in 
suffering with the seed, that lies oppressed as a cart under sheaves, 
in the minds of most of the professors of Christianity; but towards 
the close a gleam of light broke forth, in the remembrance of 
that saying of Christ, where he tells us, that the kingdom of God 



268 JOURNAL OF 

is within, and that it doth not come through outward observation. 
The subject opened in a lively manner on my mind, which led 
to communication, and brought a solemn weight over the meet- 
ing, and we parted under the favour. 

The three following days I kept much within, being under 
very considerable bodily affliction, although, at intervals, so as 
to pay some necessary attention to my family affairs, not being 
willing to let any portion of precious time pass away unimproved, 
as I cannot suppose that any part of our time is dispensed "to us 
for nought. 

Fifth day. This was the time of our monthly meeting, at 
which the queries were answered, and accounts prepared to go 
up to the yearly meeting. How deep and solemn our delibera- 
tions ought to be on such occasions, not only that our answers 
may be consistent with truth, without any false colouring or 
evasion, but that all may be done under the influence of that 
divine power, which humbles and abases the creature, and 
which only can qualify for the Lord's work and service, whether 
in ministry or discipline. At this time I returned the minute I 
had from the meeting, to perform my late visit to Friends in 
New England, with a short account of my journey. 

Sixth day. Attended our meeting for Ministers and Elders, 
at which nothing unusual occurred. 

Seventh day. Quietly spent in my temporal concerns. 

First day, the 21st. My mind, in our meeting to-day, was 
brought under a deep feeling exercise, in sympathy with back- 
sliders, and such as, having been often reproved, continue sjill to 
revolt. The power of truth went forth to these in a searching 
arousing manner : may it prove effectual to produce in such more 
stability and faithfulness to the convictions of divine grace, which, 
as they become fully obedient thereunto, will work their salvation ; 
otherwise these may share the fate described by one fonneny : 
" He that, being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall sud- 
denly be destroyed, and that without remedy." 

The rest of this week I spent principally in attending our 
quarterly meeting, held at this time in New-York. It was lor 
the most part a favoured season, but would have been more so, 



ELIAS HICKS, 269 

had not some in the ministry quite exceeded the mark by unne- 
cessary communication. For very great care ought to rest on 
the minds of ministers, lest they^ become burthensome, and take 
away the life from the meeting, and bring over it a gloom of 
death and darkness, that may be sensibly felt. 

First day, the 28th. A silent meeting to-day. 

Second day. In the afternoon of this day I accompanied a 
friend to a meeting he had appointed at Jerusalem. There was 
a considerable collection ; but the meeting proved trying, not 
only in the silent part, but when our friend was communicating, 
there seemed to be a great weight of death over the meeting, and the 
people appeared generally very dull and lifeless. I was very much 
borne down under a feeling sense of it, so that I had not the 
least prospect that I should have any thing to communicate, as 
I felt nothing in myself to offer, nor did there appear any dispo- 
sition or fitness in the people to receive ; but just before the close, 
some time after the Friend had sat down, there was a small pre- 
sentation opened on my mind, attended with a degree of life, 
which, as I yielded thereto, it spread a comfortable calm over 
the meeting generally, insomuch that I thought that the 
fragments which were left, after each had had their portion, 
were more than the whole stock in the beginning, like the 
fragments of the loaves and fishes, when the multitude were 
fed formerly. 

I accompanied the aforesaid Friend on fourth day to Beth-page, 
but sat the meeting in silence. He appeared in a pretty long 
testimony, but it was rather a dull heavy season, and but little 
life to be felt, so true is that saying, that, " Except the Lord build 
the house, they labour in vain that build it ; except the Lord 
keep the city v the watchman waketh but in vain." He returned 
with me and attended our meeting the next day, and had a 
pretty favoured time in the meeting, and was led to open divers 
passages of scripture in a pretty clear manner, which rendered 
the season instructive and satisfactory. 

Sixth and seventh days. Passed without any thing transpiring 
worthy of remark. 



270 



JOURNAL OF 



First day, the 5th of 5th month. Being invited to attend the 
funeral of one of my wife's cousins, on Cowneck, I accompanied 
her thereto. There was a large collection of people ; but by 
their untimely and irregular gathering, the opportunity Avas 
much interrupted ; yet, through the condescending goodness of 
Israel's Shepherd, the power of truth went forth freely to the 
people, tendering and Gontriting many hearts, particularly among 
the youth : may it fix on their minds as a nail, driven by the 
Master of assemblies, in a sure place. 

The rest of this week I spent about home, being somewhat 
unwell ; yet not so much so, but that I attended our preparative 
meeting on fifth day. 

First day, the 12th. Feeling considerably indisposed, I did 
not get out to meeting to-day; yet had to reflect how very seldom 
I had been prevented by indisposition for many years past, being 
generally preserved in health, a favour worthy of grateful 
acknowledgments. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. It was a low 
dull season, through the greater part of the first meeting ; but 
just before the close, a small gleam of light appeared, which, 
with a short communication from a female, brought the meeting 
to a pretty comfortable conclusion. 

, Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my family avocations, 
clothed with poverty of spirit, yet not altogether cast down, being 
encouraged at times with the remembrance of the divine promise 
succeeding the flood, that, "While the earth remained], seed- 
time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, 
and day and night, shall not cease." As in my past winter 
journey, I witnessed summer and harvest, so now I may rest 
patiently in the divine promise, with the assurance, that as 
winter in due course has succeeded summer, so likewise summer 
by and by, in its turn, will succeed winter, and the time of the 
singing of birds will come, and the drooping spirit will again 
rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of its salvation. 

Nothing requiring a note the following week, except, that on 
seventh day, the 25th of the month. I proceeded to New- York, 



ELIAS HICKS. 271 

in order to attend our approaching yearly meeting, which opened 
for Ministers and Elders at the tenth hour this morning ; but 
the morning being rainy, we did not arrive in season to attend 
the first sitting. - The meeting continued by adjournments until 
the following sixth day, and was in the main, I think, a favoured 
meeting, the Lord graciously manifesting himself to be near, 
suppressing forward spirits, that would now and then start up to 
the hurt of the meeting, and uniting the living baptized members 
in a joint travail for the promotion of right order, and the increase 
of the Messiah's kingdom in the earth. We returned home on 
seventh day. 

First day, the 2d of 6th month. Attended our meeting in 
the morning in silence ; but in the afternoon meeting, appointed 
by a friend from Pennsylvania, I had a pretty full opportunity, 
after the Friend who appointed the meeting had relieved his mind, 
to call the people's attention to the only sure guide, the light 
of God's spirit in their own hearts and minds, which reveals to 
every man and woman all things that they had ever done, as 
Jesus did to the woman of Samaria, reproving for the evil, and 
justifying for the good: and were men and women all as faithful 
to themselves, as this divine reprover is to them, they would 
all witness the blessing of peace; and if they held out in 
faithfulness and obedience to the end, the answer of" well done, 
thou good and faithful servant", would be the happy portion of 
them all. 

Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence. 
First day, the 9th. Had the company of two female Friends 
from Philadelphia, who were travelling in the ministry, at our 
meeting. It proved a hard trying season : one of them was 
exercised in public testimony, and although she appeared to 
labour fervently, yet but little life was felt to arise during the 
meeting. This makes the work hard for the poor exercised 
ministers, who feel the necessity publicly to advocate the cause 
of truth and righteousness, and yet obtain but little relief, by 
reason of the deadness and indifference of those to whom they 
are constrained to minister. I found it my place to sit silent, 
and suffer with the seed. 



272 JOURNAL OF 

Second day. Went to New- York, in order to attend our 
meeting for sufferings, which was held the next day at the ninth 
hour in the morning. I accordingly attended, and returned home 
that afternoon. 

The rest of the week I spent about home. Attended our pre- 
parative meeting on fifth day. The meeting for worship was 
held in silence, and was a hard trying meeting. 



ELIAS HICKS. 273 



CHAPTER XII. 

Engagements at and about home, and within Westbury quarterly meeting, 1816 

and 1817. 

First day, the 16th of 6th month, 1816. My wife being 
under an appointment to meet some women Friends at Beth- 
page meeting, I accompanied her thither. It proved an exer- 
cising meeting, especially in the forepart ; but as I submitted 
cheerfully and patiently to endure the present baptism, which, 
indeed, as the experienced Paul well observes, is being baptized 
for the dead, towards the latter part of the meeting, that all- 
quickening and vivifying power that raises the dead to life, was 
felt gradually to arise, by which my mind was quickened and 
led to minister to the states of many present. Life spread over 
the meeting tendering many hearts, and we parted under a grate- 
ful sense of the Lord's mercies ; so that indeed the query of the 
royal Psalmist is worthy to be had in continual remembrance : 
" What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards 
me?" 

Spent the rest of this week about home. Attended our monthly 
meeting on fifth day, but nothing unusual transpired. 

First day, the 23d. Had the company of our friend Mary 
Post from Westbury, she being engaged in a visit to the families 
of Friends in our monthly meeting, a very useful service when 
rightly entered into. My mind in this meeting, was brought 
under exercise, in the remembrance of the following exhortation 
of the wise king Solomon, viz : " Keep thy heart with all 
diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." From a considera- 
tion of which, I was led to believe there was a very great want 
of care among people generally, in duly guarding their rising 

35 



274 JOURNAL OF 

cogitations and thoughts, as it is the avenue by which all temp- 
tations enter,' and get place in the mind; and, if suited to our 
natural propensities, too often overcome and lead to undue con- 
duct. The subject spread on my mind, and led to an impressive, 
and, I trust, to some, an instructive communication ; for which 
my mind was made gratefully thankful to the Author of every 
blessing. 

Fifth day. Had the company of our aforesaid Friend at our 
meeting to-day, whose simple and plain communication, tended 
to quicken. A comfortable degree of life accompanied my mind 
during the meeting, which I accounted a favour, having for some 
time past witnessed much poverty of spirit in our meetings. The 
rest of the week I attended to my temporal concerns, as much as 
my state of health permitted ; but being much indisposed with 
bodily pain, it was but little I could do, except to take some over- 
sight of my business. This I consider one, among many other 
such like mementos, to remind me of the approach of my bodily 
dissolution. Be attentive, O my soul ! that so thou may est be in 
a state of readiness when the midnight cry is heard : " Behold 
the bridegroom cometh." 

First day, the 30th. My mind was led into close exercise and 
travail, in the prospect of the very great apparent want of truth 
and justice among the generality of the professors of Christianity, 
even of the foremost classes of the different .sects. The subject 
spread and opened to communication, in which the attention of 
the auditory was impressively called to the subject, as one of the 
greatest moment, both in respect to our temporal, and, in a very 
especial manner, our spiritual good ; as every other virtue must 
fail, and prove abortive, where truth and justice are wanting. 

The rest of this week passed away without any thing worthy 
of remark, except great poverty of spirit being almost continually 
my attendant. 

First day, the 7th of 7th month. My mind was opened and 
enlarged in communication in our meeting to-day, on the subject 
of the universal love of God to the children of men. For he not 
only extends his gracious call to all, but causes them to hear it ; 
yet, agreeably to that scripture testimony, " all have not obeyed 



ELIAS HICKS. 275 

the gospel." There are also many other plain testimonies in the 
scriptures of the same import ; clearly showing, that man's de- 
struction and misery is altogether the result of his own misconduct, 
and disobedience to divine requisition, without any necessity laid 
upon him by his gracious Creator to err, or to swerve from the 
path of rectitude ; so that the Lord will be clear of the blood of 
all his rational creation, as saith the prophet : " O Israel, thou 
hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thy help ;" and there are 
many other passages which express the same. My mind was 
led to open these subjects in a clear manner to the people, and to 
show that the want of a right faith in God and Christ, as in- 
wardly revealed, was one of the greatest obstacles to their living 
a just and righteous life in the sight of their Creator, as the just 
can only live by faith. The meeting was large, and many hearts 
were convicted, comforted and contrited ; to the Lord only belongs 
all the praise, nothing due to man but blushing and confusion 
of face. 

In the course of this week I was much unwell, forewarning rne 
that my glass is almost run, and my day of labour drawing to a 
close. My indisposition prevented my attending our preparative 
meeting on fifth day. These things all unitedly conspire to sound 
forth this language, remember to die. Oh that I might witness 
with the worthy Paul, more and more a daily death, to every thing 
that tends to hinder my steady walking in the path of duty, that 
so my day's work may be finished in the day time. 

First day, the 14th. Having so far recovered from my indispo- 
sition as to get to our meeting to-day, my mind was opened in a 
living powerful testimony to the excellency of the gospel dispen- 
pensation, in which Christ by his light and spirit was come to 
teach his people himself; a Teacher not to be removed into a 
corner, a Shepherd ever present to lead and feed all his sheep 
that hear his voice and follow him ; and do not follow the stran- 
ger, nor listen to the voice of any outward hireling teachers, 
although they charm ever so wisely. It was a season of favour, 
and many hearts were warmed and contrited by the prevalence 
of truth, and the Lord's name was praised, who is over all worthy 
for ever. 



276 JOURNAL OF 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which the 
queries were read and answers prepared to go to the quarterly 
meeting. To judge from these, it would appear that we were 
generally an upright people ; but I fear our answers are becoming 
too much like many of us, more in show and outside appearance, 
than in spirit and substance. For by this formal way of answer- 
ing them, unless great care is taken, our queries may do us much 
more harm than good ; and this fear often attends my mind, and 
induces me to call the attention of my friends from the letter of 
discipline, to the spirit and substance ; without which all letter 
and outward order, however beautiful in the outward appearance, 
is but as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal, and will in the 
end only deceive and disappoint us, and unveil our nakedness. 

Sixth day. Was our preparative meeting of Ministers and 
Elders, in which our answers made a similar appearance ; inso- 
much, that there was but little to find fault with. I hope it may 
stand the test in the day of trial ; this we ought carefully to con- 
sider, otherwise, in the end, we may fall short when it may be 
too late to retrieve the loss. i 

The rest of the week I attended to my temporal business as far 
as my bodily infirmity would permit, although at times my exer- 
cise produced very acute pains. I find it needful however, to 
keep up a continual watch, that I do nothing to promote or en- 
courage idleness, that bane to every Christian virtue ; and espe- 
cially at such a time as this, when most of our capable well- 
looking young men are running into cities and populous towns 
to engage in merchandise, or some other calling by which they 
may live by their wits, being unwilling to labour with their 
hands : although it is the most sure way marked out by divine 
wisdom for our truest comfort and peace here, and a rig-lit pre- 
paration for eternal joy hereafter. And, although many fetal 
consequences have befallen many of those who have thus run 
out in trade and mercantile business, apparently to the ruin of 
both body and soul, and the great injury and distress of their 
families : yet, because some few have made themselves rich in 
temporal things by those pursuits, it has so blinded the minds of 



ELIAS HICKS. 277 

many that they will not take warning, but go on in their wilful 
way to their own utter ruin. 

First day, the 21st. This day at our meeting, my mouth was 
opened in a full testimony introduced by this scripture passage : 
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking 
heed thereto according to thy word." I was led in my commu- 
nication to show to the people, that in this word was compre- 
hended the great gospel privilege, the word nigh in the heart and 
in the mouth ; and that it was not a literal or outward word, 
nor any created thing, but the uncreated word, Christ, by whom 
all things were created, or at first spoke into existence and order. 
For nothing else could enable us to cleanse our way, or live a 
righteous holy life; and that it was only by a living faith in this 
inward, operative, powerful word, that any could please God or 
be acceptable to him, and^was the only means by which we 
could be saved : and that it was offered to the acceptance of all, 
and therefore all w r ere encouraged to lay hold of the offered mercy, 
and not slight the day of their visitation. 

Second and third days. I was busied in overseeing my tem- 
poral business, attended, at times, by much bodily pain ; and 
which, I trust and hope, I endured without improperly complain- 
ing or murmuring. The three following days, I attended our 
quarterly meeting, held this time at Westbury. I think, in the 
main, it was a favoured season. The meeting was large and 
solemn : the divine presence and power were evidently felt to 
preside, humbling many minds and producing contrition of spirit, 
and the gospel labours were instructive and edifying. 

First day, the 28th. A quiet day. Sat our meeting in 
silence. 

Fifth day. A silent meeting. The rest of the week, as to 
bodily exercise, mostly occupied in my temporal affairs. 

First day, the 4th of 8th month. My mind settled in quiet 
with the exercise of this day. Besides the usual care and 
industry necessary in my temporal concerns, that all things might 
be rightly arranged, I attended, in the course of this week, our 
preparative meeting on fifth day, and the funeral of a deceased 
neighbour on sixth day. At the funeral was a large promiscuous 



278 JOURNAL OF 

assembly, amongst whom my mouth was opened in a large 
searching testimony, suiting the occasion ; whereby many hearts 
were tendered, and much brokenness appeared in the meeting. 
The truth delivered being brought home to the consciences of 
many, by the prevalence of the divine power, which was emi- 
nently in dominion over all. 

First day, the 11th. I trust the exercise and travail of our 
meeting to-day tended to profit. 

Second day. I attended the funeral of our friend Edmund 
Pearsall, of Flushing. His corpse was carried into the meeting- 
house there ; and a large solid meeting was held on the occasion. 

Third day. I attended our meeting for sufferings in New- 
York, which, I think, was an instructive season. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, in which I 
opened to Friends a prospect, which had for several months 
attended my mind, to pay a religious visit to the bordering 
inhabitants of our quarterly meeting; and had their unity 
therein. 

Sixth and seventh days. I spent in my usual avocations. 

First day, the 18th; My mind, as I sat in our meeting, was 
opened into a view of the great benefits, and supreme felicity, 
which man derives, and only can derive, from the true know- 
ledge and right fear of his Creator ; and which knowledge and 
fear no man can witness or have experience of, but by the reve- 
lation of the spirit of God, or by the aid of that light, which 
Jesus Christ told the Jews was the condemnation of the world, or 
of all those who did not believe in and obey it ; and which is an 
inward and not an outward light : and all its manifestations 
are in the mind or heart of man. I was led to show to the 
people, that this doctrine was altogether the most rational, and 
such as no man of right reason could doubt or dispute. I hope 
the season was instructive to some, and might tend to remove 
doubts from some doubting minds, as, from the sensations which 
I had, I was led to believe there were some such present. 

Second, third, and fourth days. T attended to my temporal 
concerns, clothed with much poverty of spirit ; yet, not altogether 
cast down nor discouraged, respecting my spiritual welfare. 



ELIAS HICKS. 279 

Fifth day. A silent quiet meeting. 

Sixth and seventh days. Paid some attention to my temporal 
business, although, at times, in much bodily pain, which, more 
or less, attends me daily, and has for several months past. 

First day, the 25th. According to the prospect opened at our 
last monthly meeting, I attended two appointed meetings in the 
neighbouring town of Hempstead ; one in the morning, at the 
eleventh hour, at the house of Samuel Carman, a person inclining 
to Friends, and the other at the fourth hour in the afternoon, at 
John Raynor's, about four miles distant from the former, he also 
being kind and well disposed towards Friends. 

These were both pretty full meetings, there being as many 
people as the rooms could well accommodate. Through the 
gracious condescension of the Shepherd of Israel, the word went 
forth freely among them, in-a full impressive testimony at each 
place, tendering and contriting many hearts, and to the increase 
of love to the truth, and to the promoters of it. I took my leave 
of them in the fresh feelings of mutual Christian affection, and 
returned home that evening with a quiet peaceful mind, the assured 
reward of faithfulness. 

The rest of the week I spent in my usual avocations, not omit- 
ting the attendance of our meeting on fifth day, which I sat in 
silence. 

First day, the 1st of 9th month. I attended an appointed 
meeting among my relatives and acquaintance at Rockaway,. 
the place of my former residence, when young, while living in 
my father's house. The meeting was not large, but proved a 
precious tendering season. Many hearts were much broken and 
contrited by the prevalence of divine love and power that accom- 
panied the testimony borne, and spread generally over the meet- 
ing, to the praise of His grace who is calling us to glory and 
virtue. 

A concern for the guarded education of the youth among 
Friends has for many years past exercised our yearly meeting; 
and many advices and recommendations have been issued there- 
from to the quarterly and other subordinate meetings, in order to 
stir up Friends to vigilance and care therein, that proper schools 



280 JOURNAL OF 

might be established among them, under the care of pious tutors, 
that so Friends' children, while getting their necessary school 
learning, might be religiously instructed, and preserved from 
evil examples, and the company of such children as are viciously 
inclined ; by which their tender minds might be wounded, and 
led from the simplicity of ti;uth. In order further to stir up 
Friends to this concern, our last yearly meeting directed the 
quarterly meetings to appoint committees to visit the monthly 
and preparative meetings, to encourage Friends therein. As I 
was one among other Friends appointed by our quarterly meeting 
for that purpose, we attended the monthly meetings of New- 
York and Flushing, in the course of this week. And I am 
thankful in believing that the service was owned by the Head of 
the Church, who was graciously near, and furnished with matter 
suited to the occasion ; insomuch, that I have cause to believe 
that the opportunities at each place were instructive and edifying, 
affording encouragement to the willing-minded. 

First day, the 8th of 9th month. I found it my place to be at 
home to-day, and of course attended our own meeting. Although 
most of the forepart of the meeting, I apprehended I should 
be permitted to sit it in silence; yet about the middle there- 
of, my mind was quickened in the remembrance of the tes- 
timony of Solomon, where he tells us, that "Wisdom is the 
principal thing." As the subject spread on my mind, I was led 
to consider how it is that all men speak highly of it, and yet, at the 
same time, are not at all rightly acquainted with its beginning; 
and are therefore mostly living all flieir days without the right 
knowledge of, and acquaintance with it. For it is not to be 
derived through any other medium than the true fear of the 
Lord, which we are told is the beginning of wisdom; and as it 
is only begun in man by this true fear, so likewise it is the middle 
and the. end ; as every advancement in true wisdom is only by 
the fear of the Lord : surely, then, it is the most precious of any 
thing to the children of men. 

I spent, (In- rest of I lie week apoul home. Attended our pre- 
parative meeting on fifth day* 'The meeting for worship was 
held in silence. Our yearly meeting's minute of advice on the 



ELIAS HICKS. 281 

subject of schools was at this time received ; but as it was expected 
that the quarterly meeting's committee, on that subject, would 
shortly attend the preparative meeting, the consideration thereof 
was deferred to the time of their attendance. 

First day, the 15th. By appointment I attended two meetings ; 
one at Cold Spring at ten o'clock in the morning, and the other 
in Friends' meeting-house at Oysterbay, at the third hour in the 
afternoon. Both were pretty well attended by the neighbouring 
inhabitants, among whom I was helped to preach the gospel in 
the demonstration of the spirit, accompanied with such a degree 
of the Lord's power and presence, as to produce a precious solem- 
nity over the assemblies, especially the latter, wherein many 
truths of the gospel were largely opened, humbling and contriting 
the hearts of a number present. Surely it was the Lord's doing, 
to whom all the praise and glory are, and ought to be ascribed, 
both now and for ever. 

In the course of this week, I attended our own and Westbury 
monthly meeting, in company with the quarterly meeting's com- 
mittee, on the subject of schools. These were both favoured 
opportunities. The concern was opened in a very impressive 
manner, and spread weightily over the meetings, the men and 
women sitting together while this subject was before them. And 
I have a hope that Friends will be strengthened and encouraged 
to persevere in the concern, and keep it on its right basis, that is, 
a concern for the religious and moral instruction of our youth, 
while at school, by placing them under the care of pious tutors, 
who may co-operate with the endeavours of religiously concerned 
parents, who are more desirous that their children may be brought 
up and educated in the fear of the Lord, and in his nurture and 
admonition, than that they should make great advancements in 
scholastic science, or obtain the riches and popularity of the 
world ; all of which are of momentary duration, and unworthy 
of much of the care of a rational immortal being, especially when 
compared with the blessings attendant on a truly moral and 
religious life, and walking in the fear of the Lord. 

First day, the 22d. In prosecution «f the concern I had 
engaged in to visit the neighbouring inhabitants, 



282 JOURNAL OF 

sent to Friends of Martinicock, that I proposed to attend thefc 
meeting at this time ; and desiring that public notice might be 
given to their neighbours who were not members, it was accord- 
ingly done. By this means the meeting was very large, more 
so than I had ever seen it before : among whom I was helped to 
labour in the cause of the gospel, opening many important scrip- 
ture passages, tending to elucidate and confirm many points of 
our doctrine and principles, to my own, and apparently to the 
general satisfaction of the assembly. At three o'clock in the 
afternoon I attended another meeting at Moscheto Cove, held in 
the house of the widow Hannah Yalentine. This was also a 
large favoured meeting,' in which many truths of the gospel were 
clearly and satisfactorily opened. I returned home that evening 
with peace of mind, from an inward sense that I had faithfully 
discharged myself among the people, concerning the things which 
relate to their salvation. 

The rest of the week I was at and about home, attending to 
my usual occupations. Sat our fifth day meeting in silence. 

First day, the 29th. I attended Friends' meeting at Cowneck ; 
and previous notice having been sent of my intention to be 
there, the meeting was large, and favoured in a good degree with 
the overshadowing of the divine presence, enabling to preach the 
gospel in the demonstration of the spirit, and with power ; break- 
ing and contriting many hearts. At the third hour in the after- 
noon, by previous appointment, had a meeting at Hempstead 
Harbour, at the house of Daniel Robbins. This was rather a 
hard exercising meeting, yet, I trust, in the main a profitable 
season. 

The following part of the week I spent mostly in the oversight 
of my farming business. Sat our fifth day meeting again in 
silence, at which we had the company of our Friends Isaac 
Martin and Henry Shotwell, from Jersey. 

First day, the 6th of 10th month. Attended our meeting in 
silence. It was in the main, I think, a weighty, solemn season. 
At three o'clock in the afternoon, I had nu appointed meeting in 
the neighbourhood for /he people of colour. It was held in one 
of their houses, and was a season of favour. I hope it may }no\c 



ELIAS HICK3. 283 

profitable to them. For this portion of dedication to duty in the 
cause of righteousness, I felt peace in my own mind. 

Second day. A Friend from the western part of this state, 
being on a religious visit among us, had an appointed meeting at 
our place at the eleventh hour. It proved a comfortable edifying 
season. After this I rode to New- York in order to attend our 
meeting for sufferings, held the next day at the ninth hour. In 
the course of the business that came before us, the meeting was 
led into an exercise, on behalf of that portion of the descendants 
of the Africans who are still held in bondage in our state. A 
proposition was made for addressing our state legislature on their 
account, in order, if possible, to obtain a law for their emancipa- 
tion ; apprehending, that as the greater part of these long-oppressed 
people had now obtained their freedom, those who were still held, 
felt their condition much more aggravating, and their bondage 
more intolerable; insomuch, that it appeared to us altogether 
just and consistent with the duty of the legislature, to restore to 
them the just right of freedom. After due consideration, the 
proposition was acceded to, and a committee named to draft an 
essay of an address accordingly. 

Fifth day. This being our preparative meeting, in which our 
queries were read, and answers prepared to go to the quarterly 
meeting, I felt my mind exercised on account of the many 
deficiencies apparent, particularly in the non-attendance of our 
religious meetings, as a failure in that often leads to greater 
deficiencies in other respects. 

First day, the 13th. My mind was pretty largely opened in 
testimony to the sufficiency of the divine light. The season was 
solemn, and I hope instructive and profitable to many present. 

At three o'clock in the afternoon, I attended an appointed 
meeting in Woolver Hollow, a neighbourhood composed mostly 
of the descendants of the Dutch. The season was instructive, 
and tending to edification ; and I parted with them under an 
humbling sense of the favour. 

Fifth day. Our monthly meeting being held at this time, 
answers were received from our preparative meetings, to the five 
queries usually answered, in which divers deficiencies were 



284 JOURNAL OF 

stated ; but this being frequently the case, it produced little or no 
concern to the greater portion of the members ; and I have been 
afraid at times, that the queries would become a snare to us, and 
prove rather hurtful than helpful. 

First day, the 20th. Had a conflicting season in the- forepart 
of our meeting to-day with a worldly spirit, and the benumbing 
consequences of a desire after riches. And while labouring un- 
der a feeling of these states, with their stupifying effects, which 
were even intolerable to bear, it often ran through my mind, that 
" the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches," and the lust 
of other things, like briars and thorns, choke the good seed and 
prevent its growth. And as I continued patiently under the 
labour, towards the close of the meeting light sprang up and dis 
pelled the darkness ; in which strength and ability were dispensed 
to communicate in a lively and clear manner, showing the perni- 
cious effects of those things, wherever they obtained the ascen- 
dency in the minds of men and women ; elucidating the subject 
by the parable of our Lord, concerning the rich man and Lazarus 
the beggar. It was, I believe, a season of real instruction to 
some present, which I hope may not be soon forgotten. 

At three o'clock in the afternoon, I attended a meeting I had 
previously appointed in a neighbouring village. It proved a 
satisfactory season to my own mind, and generally so, I believe, 
to all who attended. These favours are not to be lightly esteemed, 
but held in grateful remembrance. 

In the course of this week Avas our quarterly meeting, held at 
this time at Flushing. Although some of the sittings were exer- 
cising and arduous, yet in the main, I think, it was a favoured 
edifying season ; and we parted at the close of the public meeting 
on sixth day, under a thankful sense that the Shepherd of Israel 
had not forsaken his people, but was still graciously near, a pre- 
sent helper to all his faithful and devoted children. In the course 
of this meeting, on the evening of fifth day, I had an appointed 
meeting in the town of Jamaica, among those not in profession 
with us, which proved a very satisfactory season. The people's 
minds appeared to be gathered into true stillness, a situation most 
suitable to be taught and instructed. 



ELIAS HICKS. 285 

First day, the 27th. Sat our meeting mostly in silence, but 
towards the close my mind was opened and led to communicate a 
short, but lively testimony, which was introduced by the greatest 
part of the first psalm of David: in the opening of which, the 
meeting appeared generally to be gathered into a sweet, comfortable 
solemnity, and we parted under a solemn sense of the unmerited 
favour. 

In the course of this week, I attended, in company with most 
of the committee of the quarterly meeting on the concern relative 
to schools, the two preparative meetings in New- York, and that 
at Flushing ; also an appointed meeting at Brooklyn on third day 
evening, and one at Newtown on fifth day evening. The last 
was a very instructive favoured meeting. 

First day, the 3d of 11th month. Sat our meeting to-day 
altogether in silence. Spent the rest of the week principally in 
attention to my temporal concerns, which I believe to be a 
Christian's reasonable duty ; except that I attended in company 
with some of the quarterly meeting's committee on fifth day, the 
preparative meeting at Cowneck. I sat the meeting for worship 
in silent suffering : but was led in the preparative meeting, pretty 
largely to open the nature and design of the concern of the 5 7 early 
meeting, with regard to the pious and guarded education of the 
youth of our society, particularly while young and at school, in 
getting their necessary school learning; that they might as much 
as possible, be kept out of harm's way, by being placed at schools 
under the care of pious religiously concerned persons, members 
in society; who would be likely to co-operate with the religious 
concern of their parents, in endeavouring, as much as might be, 
to bring them up agreeably to apostolic exhortation : " In the nur- 
ture and admonition of the Lord." For there is nothing that can 
more nearly and necessarily engage the minds of rightly exercised 
parents, next to their own souls, than the religious welfare of their 
children : for parents who can live in the neglect of this great 
and incumbent duty, must be dead to every right exercise and 
concern for the preservation and everlasting welfare of their ten- 
der offspring. 

First day, the 10th. Sat our meeting in silence : then rode 



286 JOURNAL OF 

several miles to visit a person who was sick, and returned the 
next day. 

I had to reflect on the great and serious loss sustained by a 
large portion of mankind, from the want of due attention and a 
right perseverance in the way of known duty while young in 
years ; that when they are advanced in age, and bodily infirmi- 
ties interfere and increase upon them, they are tossed up and 
down in their minds, and can find no sure place of refuge for 
their souls ; like a ship in the midst of the ocean without a helm, 
and which can find no safe anchoring ground. 

On fourth day attended the funeral of a young woman on 
Cowneck, who was taken away very suddenly, with about three 
hour's illness. I had an open time among the people that were 
assembled on this solemn occasion, and was led to call their 
attention to the propriety and necessity of an early preparation 
for death ; and to show that it manifested great presumption in 
such a poor impotent creature as man, who was so sensible of the 
uncertainty of time, to dare to lay his head down at night to 
take his natural rest, without knowing his peace made with his 
God. 

Fifth and sixth days. Attended, in company with some of the 
committee of the quarterly meeting on the subject of schools, the 
preparative meetings of Martinicock and Beth page; both of which 
were open favoured seasons, while the subject of our appointment 
was under consideration. 

On seventh day I attended the funeral of a very aged man of 
my acquaintance, being upwards of ninety years old, who lived 
in the town of Hempstead. There was a pretty large collection 
of the neighbouring inhabitants present, among whom I was Led 
and strengthened to open divers necessary and important doc- 
trines of the gospel, in the clear demonstration of the spirit : and. 
I trust and hope, to the edification and religious instruction of 
many present. Surely it was the Lord's doing, and to him be- 
longs all the praise and honour of his own works, and nothing 
due to man. 

First day, the 17th. Sat our meeting in silence. It was a 
quiet solid season. The rest of the week I was occupied in my 



ELIAS HICKS. 287 

husbandry business, except attending our monthly meeting on 
fifth day. 

First day, the 24th. My mind in our meeting to-day, was 
led into an humbling exercise, under a sensible view of the great 
ascendency of evil over the good among mankind in general, not 
excepting the best regulated society among men. I was also led, 
under the saddening prospect, to communicate to the meeting 
the feeling impressions of my mind thereon, together with the 
causes of this great degeneracy from the simplicity of the gospel 
of Christ ; and that it was the effect of a spirit of ease and carnal 
security, and being led and governed in our conduct and works 
by custom and tradition, without taking the pains to examine 
whether they were founded in truth and righteousness or not ; 
and when at times they are awakened by the convicting evidence 
of truth on the mind, instead of willingly submitting thereto, 
they call to their aid all the powers of their reasoning faculties to 
drown the reprover's voice, that so they may rest secure in their 
ceiled houses. Alas for these in the trying hour of final deci- 
sion ! how dreadfully saddening will be their prospects in a dying 
hour ! 

First day, the 1st of 12th month. I sat with Friends at West- 
bury. The meeting was for the most part a dull exercising sea- 
son ; but towards the close I had a short testimony given me to 
communicate, in which the state of the meeting was so opened 
as to have a very reaching effect on most present ; which spread 
life over the meeting, and much tenderness and contrition were 
apparent. Surely have we not cause for these favours, often to 
say with one formerly : " What shall I render unto the Lord for 
all his benefits towards me." 

Second day. I attended the funeral of a near kinsman at Far 
Rockaway, at which I had a very open time amongst the people 
collected on that solemn occasion. 

I returned home on third day, and the weather being cold and 
inclement I was indisposed for several days after, which prevented 
my attending our meeting on fifth day ; a circumstance which 
very seldom happens, as I am generally preserved in the enjoy- 
ment of such a state of health, as to attend meetings when at 



288 JOURNAL OF 

home without much omission : and which I consider as one 
among many especial blessings and favours, dispensed by a kind 
and beneficent Providence to me, a poor unworthy creature. 

First day, the 8th. I left home this morning and rode to New- 
York, and attended Friends' meeting at Pearl-street in the after- 
noon, in which I had to suffer, being dipped into a state of death. 
I felt as though baptized for the dead, but as I patiently endured 
I was helped towards the close to spread my exercise before the 
meeting, and a degree of life was felt to arise, and some were 
quickened, but with too many there appeared to be a great want 
of a right inward engagement and travail of spirit, and these 
were sent empty away. 

I tarried in town until fourth day, it being the time of our 
meeting for sufferings. In the course of this meeting, we pre- 
pared a memorial to lay before the legislature of our state, on 
behalf of the black people still held in bondage among us. A 
committee was separated to attend therewith, and we have a hope 
that it may, prove effectual for their relief. 

Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, and had to 
spread before my Friends the exercise of my mind, on account 
of the neglect of too many among us in respect to the due obser- 
vance of discipline ; which is a source of great weakness to society, 
and especially so to those who are delinquent. 

Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my usual vocations, ac- 
companied with quietness and peace of mind. 

First day, the 15th. Almost as soon as I had taken my seat 
in our meeting to day, there was brought to my remembrance 
the following exhortation of the apostle, accompanied with a 
degree of life : " To do good, and to communicate, forget not." 
As I quietly attended to the impression, it led to communication 
and opened to a field of doctrine, tending to show the indispensable 
obligation every real Christian lies under, let his allotment in the 
Church or in the world at large be what it may, to comply 
(herewith, it being a divine requisition. It is therefore reasona- 
ble to suppose that by a life of steady and uniform industry, and 
from which man derives great earthly felicity, and through the 
divine blessing, most individuals would be enabled to fulfil the 



ELIAS HICKS. 



289 



obligation ; by which means all the misery and distress that arise 
from poverty and want would be done away from the Church of 
Christ, and agreeably to the prophecy of Isaiah, no wasting or 
destruction be found within her borders ; and Christians would 
witness in their own experience, that it is more blessed to give 
than to receive ; as we should thereby approach nearer to our 
divine original, from whom we receive every blessing both spirit- 
ual and temporal. 

The following part of the week I spent in my usual occupa- 
tions, except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day. 

First day, the 22d. This day I attended the funeral of my 
brother Stephen Hicks at Rockaway. There was a pretty large 
collection of people on the occasion, among whom I was led to 
labour fervently in the gospel, and largely to declare of the things 
concerning the kingdom of God. The season was solemn, and 
by the prevalence of the divine power that attended, many hearts 
were contrited and a precious solemnity was spread over the 
assembly, worthy of our deepest gratitude and thankfulness of 
heart. I returned home that evening with sweet peace of mind. 

Having for some time felt a draft on my mind to appoint a 
few meetings in some adjacent neighbourhoods, to the south and 
east of us, I left home on the seventh day of this week, accompa- 
nied by my neighbour Jacob Willits, jr. We rode that afternoon 
to our friend James Rushmore's, at the Half-way Hollow Hills ; 
where, by previous notice, we had a comfortable satisfactory 
meeting in the evening, mostly made up of those not in member- 
ship with us. The next day, the first of the week, we had two 
meetings ; one in the town of Islip in the morning, at the resi- 
dence of my son-in-law Joshua Willits, the other at the third 
hour in the afternoon, in the school-house at the village of Baby- 
lon. These were very solemn affecting meetings, wherein many 
truths of the gospel were largely and livingly opened, in the 
demonstration of the spirit, attended with a power that humbled 
and contrited many hearts, and brought a general solemnity over 
the meetings. 

The next day we rode to our friend Thomas Whitson's, on 
the south side of our township. Had an appointed meeting there 

37 



290 JOURNAL OF 

that evening, which was also favoured with attendant gospel 
power ; whereby my mind was opened and led to sound forth an 
arousing testimony, in order to stir up many present, who, for 
want of faithfulness and obedience to manifested duty, were 
much behind in their day's work : and which, as it opened on my 
mind, I expressed to them to be not only a cause of great loss 
and disadvantage in a religious sense to themselves, but also to 
their families and their tender offspring. Things were laid close 
home to these, and they excited to more faithfulness and religious 
engagement. 

At this place I was informed of the death of our Friend and 
neighbour Elizabeth Jones, wife of Samuel Jones, whose funeral 
was to be the next day. This information induced us to return 
home early in the morning in order to attend the same. As she 
had many connexions, there was a very large collection of people 
on the occasion, many of whom were of divers persuasions. My 
heart and mouth were opened to preach the gospel among them, 
and to explain to the people the principles of the Christian reli- 
gion, in a full and clear manner, in the authority of truth. It 
was a highly favoured season, in which truth reigned triumph- 
ant ; and the Lord's name and power were praised and exalted 
over all. 

Fifth day, the 2d of 1st month, 1817. I attended our meet- 
ing as usual. It was quiet and comfortable.. Near the close I 
had a short testimony to communicate, to the excellency and 
exalted privileges of the Christian state, which brought a precious 
covering over the meeeting. 

First day, the 5th. Very soon after I took my seat in meeting 
to-day, my mind was brought into a feeling sense and view of 
the superiour excellency of the true Christian religion ; and this 
can only be known and possessed by a full and entire subjuga- 
tion of our wills to the divine will, and living in the practical 
part of that reasonable injunction of our blessed Lord, to seek 
first the kingdom of God and his righteousness ; then every 
other blessing that is needful and com (oil able for us will bo 
added, in the openings of the divine counsel. But alas, how few 
there are who pay any right attention to this excellent requisition, 



ELIAS HICKS. 291 

but on the contrary go on in their own wills, and in the prosecu- 
tion of then own schemes of profit and pleasure, most generally 
at least until they marry, and settle themselves in the care and 
concerns of a family. In all this time, scarcely one in ten thou- 
sand of the human family even think of seeking first the king- 
dom of God and his righteousness, or even asking counsel of 
him in the weighty concern of marriage ; upon a right procedure 
in which, their present and future happiness greatly depend, and 
for want of this previous care, they are often very unequally yoked 
together ; and when these have a family of children about them, 
without any right ability and qualification to instruct them, con- 
fusion and disorder ensue ; and the poor children are left to grow 
up without right cultivation, as brambles in the wilderness, a 
lamentable case indeed : a view of which has often clothed my 
mind with mourning. I was led largely to open these sub- 
jects to the meeting under the influence of gospel love, and 
found peace in my labour, the sure reward of faithfulness to 
manifested duty ; and whether the people will hear or forbear, it 
is not the business of the instrument to be careful about, as the 
word that goeth forth will not return void, but will accomplish the 
thing whereto it is sent; either to instruct and comfort, or to 
reprove and condemn. 

The rest of the week I was mostly employed in my temporal 
concerns, except attending our preparative meeting on fifth day. 
The meeting for worship was, I think, a favoured season. 

First day the 12th. A silent meeting to-day. 

Fourth day. Feeling my mind drawn to attend the monthly 
meeting of Westbury, which was held to-day, I proceeded accord- 
ingly. In the meeting for worship, I was led to show to Friends, 
under the similitude of Israel's travel, that it was not enough to 
be delivered from our former sins, nor from the red sea of trials 
and obstructing temptations, so as to rejoice on the banks of deli- 
verance, and be fed with heavenly manna, even angels' food ; nor 
to journey on towards the promised Canaan, as far as Korah and 
his company; and to see like them, the wonder-working power 
of Jehovah in the wilderness, unless they also came to witness a 
complete death to their own wills, so as to be entirely submis 



292 JOURNAL OF 

sive to the will of our heavenly Father ; for otherwise they would 
be left to encompass as it were, a mountain in the wilderness, until 
the old man, that is, self-will, is entirely worn out and dies there, 
on this side Jordan : for nothing short of that will open Jordan's 
streams, and enable us to go through on dry land. I had largely 
to open to Friends the mystery of our redemption, in the demon- 
stration of the spirit, showing the necessity of continual perseve- 
rance and making progress in our heavenly journey, otherwise 
we shall be liable to fall into a state of ease and carnal security ; 
and thereby make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, and 
our latter end be worse than the beginning ; like those of Israel, 
who fell in the wilderness and never obtained the promised land. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. As it was the 
time of answering our queries, I was engaged to stir up Friends 
to more diligence, by faithfully scrutinizing their own individual 
states through the medium of the queries, by which means they 
would be truly useful to us ; for otherwise the reading and an- 
swering them would become a dead lifeless form. 

First day, the 19th. A silent meeting to-day, in which my 
spirit was grieved, as is too often the case in our meetings, from 
a sense of the great want of real spiritual life, and the apparent 
deadness and formality which too generally prevail ; whereby it 
often happens that a number appear drowsy and nodding, and 
some falling asleep, to the great trouble and exercise of the living 
concerned members, who are often led to mourn in secret on these 
accounts. 

In the course of this week I attended our quarterly meeting 
held at this time at Westbury. It was a season of close solemn 
searching, and through the animating influence of the divine 
light and life, the hidden things of Esau or the first nature, were 
brought to light and judged. Although some, who had long 
covered themselves as with thick clay, and were solacing them- 
selves in their ceiled houses, kicked like Jeshurun of old, when 
they were made to feel the piercing edge of that sword which 
divides between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a 
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart ; yet the truth 
had its way over all their opposition, and in the closing meeting- 



ELIAS HICKS. 293 

reigned triumphant over all. Blessed be the Lord for his un- 
speakable gifts dispensed to his faithful children. 

First day, the 26th. My mind in our meeting to-day, was 
led to reflect on the excellency and powerful effect of true faith. 
As the subject opened, I found it my place to spread the prospect 
before the meeting ; in the communication whereof, life sprang 
up and the truth was raised into dominion over all, and my heart 
was made thankful for the unmerited favour. 

The rest of the week I was busily employed in my domestic 
j affairs, and in taking the oversight and care of my stock ; the 
1 weather being very cold and frosty, and the earth covered with 
snow. Attended our meeting on fifth day, at which there was 
i a funeral of a deceased Friend, an ancient maiden. I sat the 
i greater part of the meeting in silence, in which time there were 
two short testimonies delivered, but without much apparent 
I effect, as the seed of immortal life was too much pressed down, 
as a cart with sheaves ; and nothing is sufficient to raise a meet- 
ing from such a state of death and stupor, but the life-giving 
presence and powerful word of Him, who raised Lazarus from 
the grave. As I patiently endured the necessary baptism for the 
dead, towards the close of the meeting a little gleam of light 
appeared, in which was brought to my remembrance that pas- 
sage of the wise man, that "Righteousness exalteth a nation." 
And as my inward eye was kept to the opening, it spread, and 
light sprang up, in which I felt the truth of that saying, that 
I the Lord's people are willing in the day of his power ;" and as I 
yielded to communication, the life was raised into dominion, and 
ran as oil over all. Surely it was the Lord's doing and marvellous 
in mine eyes. 



294 JOURNAL OF 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Engagements at and near home, 1817. — Visit to some parts of the yearly meet- 
ings of Philadelphia and Baltimore, 1817. 

First day, the 2d of 2d month, 1817. I was largely led 
forth in our meeting to-day, on the different dispensations com- 
municated to man by his gracious Creator, in order for his 
recovery out of the fall, and pointing out to the people the differ- 
ence between the law state and that of the gospel : showing that 
the former was a mere figure or prelude to the latter, and that 
the first, with all its elementary rituals, ceased where the latter 
begun ; the first only affecting the body, the latter principally 
the soul ; the first only the shadow of good things, the latter the 
substance of all good to man ; by which he is altogether redeemed 
from sin and death, as he submits willingly and fully to the 
power of the gospel, and is thereby prepared for an inheritance in 
eternal life. 

In the course of this week, besides giving the necessary atten- 
tion to my temporal affairs, I made several friendly visits to the 
families of some particular friends, in company with my wife 
and daughter Elizabeth. Although I met with some occurrences, 
one in particular, which produced considerable exercise on my 
mind, yet I had satisfaction in the visits ; believing that when 
they are properly made, they often prove mutually comfortable 
and encouraging. Sat our meeting on fifth day in silence. 

First day, the 9th. Had a silent meeting to-day. This week 
afforded occasion of deep inward exercise, and seasons of heart- 
searching, in a view of the manifest declension of many among 
us from that honest simplicity and faithfulness which so emi- 
nently characterized our worthy predecessors, as also the increase 



ELIAS HICKS. 295 

of vanity and immorality among the people without ; . and 
which I fear may have been increased by the want of faithful- 
ness among us, in the right and full support of our Christian 
testimonies. 

First day, the 16th. Soon after I took my seat in our meet- 
ing to-day, my mind was quickened and led into a sympathetic 
feeling with the state of Elijah, when he fled from the wrath and 
persecution of Ahab and Jezebel, and when under great discou- 
ragement and dismay he bemoaned his condition ; saying, that 
they had pulled down the Lord's altars, slain his servants, and 
he only was left and they sought his life ; but the Lord told him 
for his encouragement, that there were seven thousand yet left in 
Israel, who had not bowed then knee to the image of Baal. But 
these no doubt were so scattered and dispersed among the people, 
that Elijah could scarcely find one to whom he might open his 
mind, and therefore felt himself as one alone. This no doubt is 
the lot of some of the Lord's most faithful servants in the present 
day, and was it not for the same divine help and succour that 
Elijah experienced, some of these at times would be altogether 
cast down and discouraged. 

The subject spread and enlarged, and opened to a field of doc- 
trine; wherein I was led to show to the people that the mystery 
of iniquity had wrought in and under every dispensation of God 
to the Church through it's varied transformations, and always 
resembling as much as may be, an angel of light ; by which it 
lies in wait to deceive, and has generally deceived, and still de- 
ceives, the greater part of the people of all the nations under 
heaven ; setting up its post by God's post, and leading its votaries to 
perform their worship and works just like the Lord's servants, with 
only this difference, that it is done in a way and time of their own 
heart's devising. But the Lord's children are all taught of the 
Lord, and they are made to know it ; for in righteousness they 
are established, and great is the peace of these children; and there 
is no peace to the wicked, to such as walk in then own wills, and 
in the way of their own heart's devising. 

On fifth day of this week, was our monthly meeting, at 
which we had the company of a Friend in the ministry from 



296 JOURNAL OP 

one of our upper quarterly meetings. He preached the truth 
to us in a pretty correct manner; but I thought I never saw, 
with greater clearness than at this time, that ministers might 
preach the literal truth, and yet not preach the real gospel: 
and herein is witnessed the truth of that saying of the apostle, 
that " the letter? however true, "killeth? " but the spirit? and 
the spirit only, " giveth life." And it is a great thing when 
ministers keep in remembrance that necessary caution of the 
divine Master, not to premeditate what they shall say ; but care- 
fully to wait in the nothingness and emptiness of self, that what 
they speak may be only what the Holy Spirit speaketh in them ; 
then will they not only speak the truth, but the truth, accompa- 
nied with power, and thereby profit the hearers. 

First day, 23d. A silent meeting to-day. Nothing transpired 
in the course of this week, which required particular notice. Sat 
our meeting on fifth day in silence. 

First day, the 2d of 3d month. Having felt my mind for 
several weeks past drawn to visit Bethpage meeting, I rode 
thither to-day in company with my wife. It was rather a low 
dull time, but as I continued in the patience, a small prospect 
opened on the excellency of justice, and the right bringing up of 
children. It led to a communication instructive and edifying, for 
which I was made thankful. 

First day, the 9th. This day as I sat in our meeting, my 
mind was led to view the exalted and precious state those enjoyed, 
who were brought by their faithfulness to witness in themselves 
the fulfilment of the first and great commandment, that of loving 
God above all ; as they would thereby likewise know the fulfil- 
ment of the second, that of loving their neighbour as themselves. 
As the subject spread on my mind I believed it right to express it 
to the assembly, which brought a precious solemnity over the 
meeting, and, I trust, it was an instinctive season to some present. 

This week principally spent in the care of my temporal con- 
cerns and in lending assistance to the needy, and in the course 
of which my mind was often attended with comforting ejacula- 
tions after this manner. "The Lord is my strength and my song, 
the lifter up of mine head and my salvation ; therefore I will not 



ELIAS HICKS. 297 

fear what man can do unto me. He leadeth me about and 
instructeth me, and preserveth me from the snare of the fowler, 
and from the strife of tongues." 

First day, the 16th. Our meeting to-day was large and solemn, 
and mostly silent. A little before the close, an exhortation of 
the apostle Peter was brought before the view of my mind : " Be 
sober, be vigilant ; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring 
lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour." As the 
subject opened I found it my duty to spread it before the meeting, 
with some observations thereon, tending to excite the people to 
diligence, inasmuch as there could be no doubt of the truth of 
the apostle's testimony; hence it was necessary for each one to 
keep the watch, resisting him steadfast in the faith. The com- 
munication though short, was so attended with the quickening 
power of the gospel, as to reach, affect, and tender many minds, 
and brought a solemn awe over the meeting. Such seasons are 
worthy of grateful acknowledgments to the blessed Author of all 
our rich mercies. 

Spent this week mostly at and about home, enjoying sweet 
peace of mind, and the solace of heart-felt thankfulness to the 
Shepherd of Israel for the unmerited favour. Attended the 
funeral of a deceased neighbour on fourth day and our monthly 
meeting on fifth day. The funeral was largely attended by the 
neighbouring inhabitants, among whom I was led forth vocally 
to espouse the cause of the gospel, in a large impressive testimony. 
Many hearts were humbled, and the assembly in general solem- 
nized ; may it be to these as bread cast upon the waters, gathered 
after many days. 

First day, the 23d. Our meeting to-day was a season thank- 
fully to be remembered. The subject that arrested my mind 
and led to communication, was a comparative view of man with 
the rest of the animal creation; showing that man, although 
endued with a rational understanding, and blessed with a mea- 
sure and manifestation of the spirit of God, to guide him infallibly 
in the way of his duty, had nevertheless swerved much further 
from the state of rectitude in which he was created, than any other 
creature; and was much more changeable an^ unstable than 

38 



298 JOURNAL OF 

they. This is a sure mark of his fall : and although contin- 
ually liable and willing to change, to gratify his own will and 
the humour of others, in following the changeable customs and 
manners of a vain world ; yet averse to that necessary and lauda- 
ble change, whereby he might regain paradise and renew com- 
munion with his Maker. This and much more I was led to 
open to the auditory, in the demonstration of the spirit, showing 
the way of man's return ; whereby many minds present were 
humbled and contrited, and solid satisfaction and comfort afforded 
to my own. 

Gn fourth day, I attended a marriage at Bethpage. It was, I 
think, a solid instructive season. On fifth day attended our own 
meeting which was held in silence. The rest of the week I was 
busily attentive to my usual avocations. 

First day, the 30th. I attended Westbury meeting, wherein 
my mind was opened into a view of man's primitive state, the 
manner and means of his fall, and the way whereby he only can 
be restored, all which I had largely to spread before the meeting. 
In addition to this, I had also to caution Friends, particularly the 
youth, against letting their minds out in their own will and wis- 
dom, into a search and pursuit after forbidden knowledge, par- 
ticularly that of the origin of evil, which in the present day is a 
subject of much conversation and inquiry. For man in the 
beginning was forbidden the knowledge of good and evil, and that 
command is as binding and obligatory in the present day as it 
was in the primitive state ; therefore all those who presume in 
their own-||ills and creaturely wisdom, independent of the teach- 
ing of the spirit of God, to know good and evil, do thereby desert 
God, and so become dead to the divine life; and this is man's fall, 
and leads to Deism and Atheism. 

I was much engaged in the course of this week in endeavour- 
ing to arrange and settle some difficulties in the neighbourhood, 
and in regulating some of my own temporal affairs. Sat our 
meeting on fifth day in silence. 

First day, the 6th of 4th month. Sat our meeting to-day in 
silence. In the afternoon at the fourth hour, we had a meeting 
appointed by a friend from abroad, who was accompanied by 



ELIAS HICKS. 299 

another Friend in the ministry, both of whom appeared in public 
testimony. 

Most of this week I was occupied about home. Attended our 
preparative meeting on fifth day, which being the time of an- 
swering our queries to go forward to the yearly meeting, I was 
led to make several remarks to Friends to stir them up to more 
faithralness, in order that we might profit by the queries, and 
be prepared to answer them with more clearness and propriety, 
according to truth and justice. 

First day, the 13th. Sat our meeting to-day in silence. This 
week our monthly meeting was held, at which the state of society 
as represented by the answers to the queries from our preparative 
meetings was attended to, and a summary thereof forwarded to 
the quarterly meeting to be held the following week. This order 
of reading and answering the queries quarterly, if rightly attended 
to, and Friends were generally kept lively in spirit, and were 
zealously engaged for the promotion of truth, would, I believe, be 
productive of much good to the society : but alas ! there are so 
many who seem lulled asleep in the lap of the world, and their 
minds clothed with so much indifferency, that it is to them but a 
dead lifeless form. Surely these reap little or no advantage from 
their right of membership among us. 

Sixth day. Was our preparative meeting of Ministers and 
Elders, in which nothing transpired worthy of notice. 

First day, the 20th. Our meeting to-day, as well as at some 
former times, baa been rather heavy and dull. In the course of 
Ithis week I attended our quarterly meeting, held at this time at 
New- York. It was in general father a low time, although not 
without some manifestations of divine favour : therefore we had 
no cause for murmuring but rather of rejoicing, in that we were 
not cast off and forgotten. 

First day, the 27th. Sat our meeting again in silence. My 
present allotment is to be mostly at home, generally engaged in 
temporal concerns for myself and others. But, I trust, instead 
of increasing my love to the world and the things of it, I am fast 
weaning from it, and my love continually increasing and strength- 
ening to higher and better objects ; as my attention to the world 



300 v JOURNAL OF 

and its cares arises from necessity and duty, and not from love, 
except that I love to do my duty in all respects to God my Crea- 
tor, and man my fellow creature, believing that there is no real 
Christianity without it. 

Our fifth day meeting was quiet and solemn, wherein I had to 
remind Friends that it was not enough to say with Peter, when 
queried of by his Master whether he loved him, " yea Lord," for 
this is no more than every professor is ready to say, although 
they may be quite void of any true sense thereof ; but we must 
come to know him and love him in such manner, as when 
brought to a full trial of our faith and love, we can say as Peter 
did in his third answer : " Lord thou knowest all things, thou 
knowest that I love thee." For this is the situation of mind 
which prepares to be at his disposal, and to endure hardness for 
his sake in the Christian warfare. 

First day, the 4th of 5th month. My mind was led into an 
interesting view and reflection on the following gracious invita- 
tion of our Lord : " Come unto me, all ye that labour and are 
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon 
you, and learn of me : for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye 
shall find rest unto your souls." As the subject spread on my 
mind attended with a degree of life, I was constrained to com- 
municate the prospect, showing that Christ's yoke was nothing 
less nor more than the revealed will of his, and our, heavenly 
Father ; which, as it is faithfully submitted to, yokes down and 
keeps in subjection every desire and propensity of the human 
mind which stands in opposition thereto. So that the creature 
hereby knows God's kingdom to be come, and his will to be done, 
in earth as it is done in heaven ; and the reward of rest and 
peace promised in the closing part of the invitation is experienced. 

The following part of this week spent principally in my usual 
vocations, except attending our preparative meeting on fifth day • 
and at the third hour in the afternoon, the funeral of our Friend 
Joshua Powell of Westbury, who was taken from us after a short 
illness, by a sudden inflammation and mortification in one of his 
arms. How true is that saying of the prophet: "All flesh is 
grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field ; 



ELIAS HICKS. 301 

the grass wither eth, the flower fadeth ;" just such is man, alive 
to-day, to morrow is dead. This subject very sensibly impressed 
my mind at the funeral, and led to an awkening communication, 
which had a very reaching effect on the assembly. I hope the 
word that went forth will not return void, but prove a blessing to 
some who were present. 

First day, the 11th. Our meeting to-day was a trying sea- 
son, but little felt of the real virtue and life of religion. It seemed 
as though we were in a worse condition than the multitude for- 
merly ; for there was a lad found among them with five barley 
loaves and a few fishes, which served for the blessing to operate 
upon and enlarge, so as to suffice the multitude and leave frag- 
ments remaining ; but we were almost, or altogether destitute of 
any thing for the blessing of heaven to act upon. Therefore we 
ought not to murmur, although we were sent empty away. 

Except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day, and 
assisting some of my neighbours to settle their business in which 
a dispute had arisen, I was principally occupied in my temporal 
concerns through the week. 

First day, the 18th. A silent meeting to-day. The rest of 
this week busily employed preparatory to leaving home to attend 
our aproaching yearly meeting. Left home early on seventh 
day morning, and got into the city seasonably to attend the 
opening of the yearly meeting of Ministers and Eiders at the 
tenth hour. On second day at the same hour, the meeting for 
discipline opened, and continued by adjournments until the sev- 
enth day following. In the forenoon of that day at about eleven 
o'clock it closed, under a comfortable evidence that the divine 
presence presided ; and which, with thankfulness and gratitude we 
have humbly to acknowledge, has, in gracious condescension, 
been vouchsafed to us in the several sittings of our large solemn 
assembly, in as great, if not greater degree, than has been wit- 
nessed in any previous season : tending to unite all the rightly 
concerned members in a living travail, for the promotion of the 
cause of truth and righteousness, and the spreading and exalta- 
tion of those precious testimonies given us as a people to bear for 
the Prince of Peace. 



302 JOURNAL OF 

First day, the 1st of 6th month. Attended our own meet- 
ing to-day in humbling silence. Spent the week at and about 
home, except attending the funeral of our ancient Friend Isaac 
Underhill of Flushing, on sixth day ; on which occasion a 
meeting was held in Friends' meeting-house at that place. It 
was a very solemn, and, I trust, a profitable season to some 
present. My mouth was opened among them to testify of the 
things concerning the kingdom of God, in a large affecting testi- 
mony, whereby many hearts were contrited and made humbly 
thankful for the present favour, and I was glad in believing that 
the Lord is still mindful of his people, and is graciously disposed 
to strengthen and support them in the needful time ; as their eye 
is kept single to him, looking to him only for help and salvation. 

First day, the 8th. Had a comfortable meeting to-day. The 
testimony to the power of truth went forth freely to the people, 
comforting and contriting many minds present. This is the 
Lord's doing and is worthy of grateful acknowledgments from his 
people, for such continued yet unmerited mercy. 

On third day I attended a meeting at Bethpage, appointed by 
our friends Elizabeth Coggeshall and Ann Shipley of New- York, 
who were now among us on a religious visit. It was, I think, a 
season of great favour ; not only the two women appeared in 
seasonable and appropriate testimonies, tending to gather the 
minds of the people into a very comfortable solemnity, but also, 
my heart and mouth were opened in a large affecting testimony, 
which found a ready entrance into the minds of most present, 
breaking down all opposition and contriting many hearts by the 
prevalence of truth, which ran as oil over all. After this, our 
friend Elizabeth closed the service in solemn supplication. It was 
a day of favour, worthy of grateful remembrance. 

On fifth day I attended our preparative meeting, in which I 

had some service for the promotion of truth's cause. The four 

other days of this week, I spent in my usual necessary avocation*. 

First day, the 15th. Nothing in particular to remark respecting 

the exercise of this day. 

On the fourth day of this week, our monthly meeting W as held. 
in which I was led into some close searching exercise, in order 



ELIAS HICKS. 303 

to stir up Friends to more diligence and circumspection, that so 
their light might shine forth to the help of others, and their con- 
duct appear consonant with their profession. In this meeting 1 
found it expedient and consistent with my duty, to open to Friends 
a prospect and concern which had for a considerable time rested 
on my mind, to pay a visit in gospel love, to Friends and others 
in some parts of the yearly meetings of Philadelphia and Balti- 
more. The subject obtained the solid attention of the meeting, 
and some Friends were appointed to confer with me on the sub- 
ject, and, as way opened, prepare an essay of a certificate for that 
purpose, and produce it to our next meeting. 

First day, the 22d. Whilst sitting in our meeting to-day, my 
mind was led into a view of the^ great and singular advantages 
that would accrue to the children of men, from their having right 
and just ideas of religion, the want of which was the principal 
cause of all the distress and misery that fell to their lot, both here 
and hereafter. The subject spread, and, as I communicated, 
opened to a large field of doctrine, which had a very reaching 
effect upon the assembly, and a very precious solemnity was 
spread over the meeting ; for which my heart was made truly 
glad, with that gladness that hath no sorrow with it. 

The rest of the week I was busily employed in the care of my 
temporal concerns, which nevertheless has no tendency, if kept 
within right bounds, to prevent internal religious exercises, and 
spiritual meditations and soliloquies. Sat our fifth day meeting in 
silence. 

First day, the 29th. I sat our meeting to-day in a sense of 
great weakness, in which I realized the truth of David's testi- 
mony : " Verily every man at his best estate is altogether 
vanity." 

Except attending in silent meditation our fifth day meeting, 
and the funeral of the only daughter of my brother Samuel, on 
seventh day, I was engaged as usual during the week, in my 
family cares ; which indeed is an arduous task, if rightly per- 
formed, and every department duly cared for in its right season, 
consistent with our moral and religious duty. The funeral men- 
tioned above was a solemn one, in which I was largely led forth 



304 JOURNAL OF 

to testify of the things concerning the kingdom of God ; opening 
the way of life and salvation to the people, in the demonstration 
of the spirit. The assembly were generally solemnized by the 
efficacy of the power which attended, and truth raised into victory 
over all. Such favours are truly worthy of deep heart-felt grati- 
tude and thanksgiving to the God and Father of all our sure 
mercies, who is over all, worthy for ever. 

First day, the 6th of 7th month. Soon after I took my 
seat in our meeting to-day, my mind was opened into a view of 
the great need man stands in of a Saviour, and that nothing can 
give him so full and lively a sense thereof, as a true sight and 
sense of his own real condition ; by which he is not only brought 
to see the real want of a Saviour, but is also shown thereby, what 
kind of a Saviour he needs. For it must not only be one, who 
is continually present, but who is possessed of a prescience suffi- 
cient to see, at all times, all man's enemies, and every temptation 
that may or can await him ; and have power sufficient to defend 
him from all, and at all times. Therefore, such a Saviour as 
man wants, cannot be one without him, but must be one that is 
always present, just in the very place man's enemies assault him, 
which is within, in the very temple of the heart : as no other 
Saviour but such an one, who takes his residence in the very 
centre of the soul of man, can possibly produce salvation to him : 
hence, for man to look for a Saviour or salvation any where 
else, than in the very centre of his own soul, is a fatal mistake, 
and must consequently land him in disappointment and errour. 

I was led forth to communicate largely to the people on the 
subject ; and on the blessed effects that do, and will result to all 
those who find such a Saviour, and who, in humility and sin- 
cerity of heart, follow him faithfully in the way of his leadings. 
It was a solemn season, and a day thankfully to be remembered. 

I was taken up principally the rest of this week, except attend- 
ing our preparative meeting on fifth day, in my hay harvest. It 
is a laborious season ; and is made much more so by reason of 
there being so few faithful labourers, among those who offer 
themselves as such. Most of them are more anxiously careful 
how they may obtain the highest wages, than to be engaged 



ELIAS HICKS. 305 

honestly to strive justly to earn them. This makes the care and 
oversight of such business rather irksome and unpleasant, which 
otherwise would be agreeable and often delightful. 

First day, the 13th. I sat our meeting in silence. This week 
I was mostly taken up in caring for and assisting in, my -hay 
harvest. For By the fertility of. the season, our fields have 
brought forth plenteously. On fifth day our monthly meeting 
was held, in which Friends united with the concern I had laid 
before them at the preceding monthly meeting, to pay a visit in 
gospel love to Friends and others, in some parts of the yearly 
meetings of Philadelphia and Baltimore. A certificate was pre- 
pared for the purpose, leaving me at liberty to proceed therein, as 
way should open. 

First day, the 20th. A solemn, and, I trust, a profitable meet- 
ing to-day, in which the gospel was preached freely in the demon- 
stration of truth, and a precious covering Was felt to spread over 
the assembly ; and sweet peace clothed my mind at the jconclu- 
sion. Surely the Lord is a bountiful and rich rewarder of all his 
faithful servants, who serve him, not for reward, but for the sake 
of that love wherewith he loveth them, and which he so abun- 
dantly sheddeth abroad in their hearts, that they are thereby 
drawn to love him above all ; and in and under the influence of 
this precious love, they are led and constrained to serve and wor- 
ship him freely for his own sake, because he is worthy, and not 
for any reward to themselves, because they are altogether un- 
worthy ; and because that precious love wherewith he hath loved 
them, and with which he hath filled their hearts, hath banished 
and dispelled therefrom every germ of self-love, and all kind of 
selfishness. Nevertheless, of his own rich bounty and free will, 
without any real merit on our part, he abundantly and plenteously 
bestoweth his blessings upon all his faithful servants and children, 
whereby their love to him is continually increased, until he 
becomes their all in all, their alpha and omega, and they are 
brought into the possession of that perfect love that casteth out 
all fear ; and in which they are enabled continually to worship 
and adore Him who liveth for ever, and who only is everlastingly 
worthy of all blessing and praise. V 



306 JOURNAL OF 

In the course of this week was our quarterly meeting, which 
was held at this time at Westbury. It was a season of exercise 
to all who were concerned for the promotion of right order in the 
Church ; and much counsel, reproof, and admonition, were com- 
municated, under right influence, to stir up the negligent and 
refractory members to more faithfulness and attention to their 
several duties, and a more full submission to the manifestations 
of divine grace in their own minds, that they may be thereby 
strengthened to arise, and shake themselves from the dust of the 
earth, and separate themselves from those hindering and annoy- 
ing things, which divert and turn them aside from their Christian 
duty, and those things in which their best interest consists. 
The meeting for worship was likewise a favoured season. Many 
very important truths of the gospel were clearly opened in the 
demonstration of the spirit; and the meeting closed under a 
thankful sense of the unmerited mercy ; and the living among 
us separated to their several homes with grateful hearts. 

I laid before this meeting my prospect of a religious visit as 
aforementioned, and received the unity and concurrence of the 
men's and women's meetings ; and an endorsement thereof was 
made on my certificate. Being now left at liberty, and separated 
to the work whereunto I believed myself called by the Holy 
Spirit, and knowing my own insufficiency, and that of myself I 
can do nothing, all that remains for me is to cast my care 
wholly on him, in full faith, who hath called me ; and, as I abide 
in the patience and in a full submission to his heavenly will, he 
that putteth his servants forth, will in his own right time go 
before them and make way for them, without which there is no 
way ; and will make darkness light before them, and not forsake, 
but safely carry them through and over all the opposition and 
discouragements, that either men or devils may or can cast in the 
way, to the exceeding praise of his grace, and to the glory and 
exaltation of his great and excellent name, who is over all, God 
blessed for ever. 

First day, the 27th. My mind while sitting in our meeting 
tQ day, was led into a view of the great necessity there was of 
more fuithfulnes and attention to the inward principle of divine 



ELIAS HICKS. 307 

truth, or inward teacher in the mind, as professed by us as a people. 
For want of this, many were led into divers errours and defi 
ciencies, which in their tendency not only led to great weakness, 
but to the encouragement of evil doers in their evil practices; a 
sight and sense of which had for some time been a cause of much 
exercise to my mind. The subject became very impressive, 
insomuch that I found it necessary to spread it before the meet- 
ing in a large arousing testimony ; laying before the auditory the 
great danger many were in for want of a living concern to work 
out, through the assistance of divine grace, their salvation while 
the day of visitation was lengthened out. For nothing short 
of a full submission to the operation of divine truth on their 
minds could fit and prepare them for the awful approaching sea- 
son, when the pale-faced messenger shall arraign us before the 
judgment seat of Him, whom we can neither awe nor bribe, to 
give an account of the deeds done in the body, whether good or 
evil. A solemn weight spread over the meeting and many minds 
appeared to be deeply humbled. May the exhortation be fixed 
in their remembrance, as a nail in a sure place that may not be 
moved, is the fervent desire of my mind. 

The rest of this week I was busily employed in endeavouring 
so to arrange my temporal matters, that when I leave home on 
the prospect before me, I may feel my mind at full liberty there- 
from, and that no occasion may be given, through the medium 
of any of my temporal engagements, for the enemies of truth to 
gainsay or find fault, to the disadvantage or reproach of the great 
and dignified cause I was about to embark in. For I have been 
led to believe some who have gone out on this solemn embassy, 
for want of this care have given too much occasion for censure, 
and have thereby wounded the cause they have proposed to 
promote, and brought much exercise on the minds of the 
faithful. 

On fifth day at our meeting, my mind was deeply bowed in 
commemoration of the Lord's continued mercies, and that indeed 
it might be said of us as it was of Israel formerly, that it was of 
the Lord's mercies we were not consumed ; and I was made 
thankful in believing, that there was a small remnant who were 



308 JOURNAL OF 

preserved faithful to his name and cause, and who were the salt 
of the society, and for whose sake he would not utterly cast us 
off nor forsake us. Surely it is of his unmerited mercy that we 
are not swallowed up in the mass of the people, and numbered 
among the unstable multitude who have no sure and solid 
foundation to rest their hopes upon, but are trusting in a ceremo- 
nial religion, of man's invention ; all which in the day of trial 
will fail them, and afford no succour to the soul. 

First day, the 3d of 8th month. My mind was brought under 
exercise in our meeting to-day, in a view of the great want of 
diligent attention to the light within, or that measure of the spirit 
given to every one of God's rational creatures to profit withal ; 
even those who were so far convinced as to acknowledge its 
excellence, yet were almost daily neglecting its reproofs, and turn- 
ing aside from its teachings ; by which their understandings be- 
came darkened, and they were left in a dwarfish unstable con- 
dition, without any solid ground of hope. The subject spread, 
and my mind was led into a large arousing testimony, setting 
forth the danger of such a state, and the fatal consequences that 
would naturally and certainly follow such delinquency if con- 
tinued in. Truth prevailed, and many minds were sensibly 
bowed and affected by its power, and a very general solemnity 
spread over the meeting, to the praise of Him who is calling all 
his faithful and obedient children out of darkness into his mar- 
vellous light. The rest of the week spent as usual without 
occasion for any remark. 

First day, the 10th. A peaceful quiet meeting to-day in silent 
waiting. The rest of the week, except attending our meeting 
for sufferings and preparative meeting on fifth day, was taken up 
in my outward business; with a steady view to my religious 
engagement, that with all readiness I might be prepared to em- 
bark therein when the full time arrived. 

First day, the »1 7th. A silent meeting. This week was taken 
up preparatory to my journey. Attended our monthly meeting 
on fifth day, and feeling my mind drawn low aids an opportunity 
with the people of colour before [ left home, I mentioned it to 
ili<> meeting; and with the unity of Friends, a meeting was 



ELIAS HICKS. 309 

appointed for them on the following first day at the fourth hour in 
the afternoon. I also gave Friends of Bethpage meeting informa- 
tion, that I felt my mind drawn to sit with them in their 
meeting the next first day, and left them at liberty to inform their 
neighbours thereof. 

First day, the 24th. Agreeably to my prospect I attended 
Bethpage meeting in the forenoon. It was large, and I think, 
greatly favoured with the overshadowing wing of divine kind- 
ness. Truth rose into dominion, and bowed the assembly by 
the prevalence of its power, for which my spirit was made deeply 
thankful. 

The meeting for the coloured people was held at the fourth hour, 
aud I was enabled to clear my mind among them, although it 
was a season of hard labour. After this I felt my mind clear to 
set forward on my intended journey. 

Fourth day, the 27th of 8th month. I left home in the after- 
noon in order to accomplish my contemplated visit to Friends and 
others, in some parts of the yearly meetings of Philadelphia and 
Baltimore. My son-in-law Valentine Hicks, accompanied me in 
the journey. Feeling my mind drawn to attend the meeting of 
Friends at Flushing the next day, we rode there and lodged. 
Notice being given in the neighbourhood of my intention to be 
there, the meeting was large, and the Lord graciously mani- 
fested himself to be near, and enabled me to discharge myself 
faithfully among them under the feeling influence of gospel love. 
Many hearts were contrited and truth appeared in dominion over 
all, for which favour I was made reverently thankful, not only on 
my own account and the account of those present, but especially 
so on account of my dear family and friends at home, who gave 
me up with great reluctance on account of my present bodily 
indisposition, being under the pressure of a heavy cold and very 
hard cough, which, in their apprehensions, rendered me unable 
to travel in so arduous a service until I might be recovered there- 
from. But the time appearing to be come for my setting out, and 
the way appearing open, I considered it safest to cast my care 
wholly upon Him in faith, who, I believed, had called me to the 
work j and that as I continued to go forward, as he -was 



310 JOURNAL OF 

graciously pleased to open the way and make it clear before me, 
all would be well, whether it terminated in life or in death. 

The next day, being the sixth of the week, we had an ap- 
pointed meeting in Friends' meeting-house, at the Kilns, in 
Newtown. The meeting there, had been discontinued for a 
number of years, and now there was but one member of our 
society left in the neighbourhood. There was, however, a consi- 
derable number of people of other persuasions collected ; and the 
Lord graciously condescended to enable me to preach the gospel 
among them, and to open divers doctrines of the Christian reli- 
gion, suited to their several conditions, in the demonstration of 
truth, for their consideration and instruction. The people were 
very solemn and quiet ; and, I hope, the labour will not prove in 
vain, but be to some of them, as bread cast upon the waters, 
gathered after many days. We rode, after this meeting, to New- 
York, and rested on seventh day. 

First day, the 31st. We attended Pearl-street meeting in the 
morning, and that at Liberty-street, in the afternoon. They 
were both full meetings ; and, although I was still under consi- 
derable bodily indisposition, yet, through condescending goodness, 
I was strengthened to discharge myself faithfully in both oppor- 
tunities, and felt peace in my labours of love among them ; being 
led in each meeting to declare largely of the things concerning the 
kingdom of God, and to point out to the people, in a clear man- 
ner, the way to peace and salvation. 

On second day afternoon, we proceeded on our journey to 
Newark, a town in New Jersey, where we attended a meeting at 
the fourth hour, previous notice having been given in the town, 
of our coming. I had had several meetings there before ; but 
this was larger than usual for the place. There is no member of 
our society residing in the town ; the inhabitants being principally 
of the Presbyterian order. All was quiet, and a general solem- 
nity spread over the meeting; and truth and its testimony were 
raised into dominion. Surely, it is the Lord's doing, and my spirit 
was made gratefully thankful for the unmerited favour. 

The next day we attended a meeting appointed for us in Eliza- 
bethtown. Here, likewise, there is no member of our society. 



ELIAS HICKS. 311 

The meeting was small, yet through condescending goodness it 
proved, I trust, a comfortable instructive season to some present ; 
and I parted with them in peace of mind, the sure reward of faith- 
fulness. 

From this place, we rode home with our kind friend Henry 
Shotwell, of Rahway, who met us here. The next day we 
attended Friend's meeting at Plainfield. Notice having been 
given that we intended to be there, the meeting was large, in 
which the Lord's power was manifested, and his arm made bare 
for our help ; and through which, way was made and utterance 
given, to preach the glad tidings of life and salvation to the peo- 
ple, in the demonstration of the spirit. Many hearts Were broken 
and contrited by the prevalence of its power. May the glory and 
the praise be all ascribed to our gracious Helper, for such con- 
tinued mercy ; for lie only is worthy thereof, as nothing is due 
to the creature, but Hushing and confusion of face. 

After this favoured meeting, we rode back, towards evening, to 
Rahway. The next day, being the fifth of the week, we attended 
Friends' meeting there. The meeting was much enlarged by 
many of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in, who were not 
members. Many gospel truths were opened to their consideration, 
and its power ran as oil over the assembly, silencing all opposition, 
and a perfect calm was witnessed to spread over all. I have not 
often beheld such a perfect quiet; such seasons are truly encou- 
raging, and worthy of thanksgiving and praise to the blessed 
Author of such unmerited favours. 

On sixth day morning, we took leave of our kind friends at Rah- 
way, and rode to Mendham, alias, Randolph. The next day we 
had an appointed meeting there, at the tenth hour, which proved 
a solemn, instructive season. I left them with peace of mind, and 
proceeded that afternoon to Hardwick. The following day being 
the first of the week, we attended Friends' meeting there. It was 
large for the place, as notice had been given that we expected to 
be there. And, through heavenly help, the gospel was preached 
in the demonstration of the spirit ; and, by the influence of its 
power, a general solemnity was spread over the assembly, and 
many hearts were broken and contrited. 



312 



JOURNAL OF 



On second day we proceeded to Stroudsburgh, in Pennsylva- 
nia, where we arrived about three o'clock in the afternoon. Here 
we had a meeting, by appointment, the next day, at the third 
hour. It was well attended by the Friends of that place, and 
many of the neighbouring inhabitants ; and was a very solid, in- 
structive season. Surely, such unmerited favours greatly enhance 
our obligations to our all-gracious Benefactor, and tend to inspire 
the minds of his humble dependant children with gratitude and 
thanksgiving. 

From this place we proceeded to Richland, and attended 
Friends' meeting on fifth day. It was much enlarged by many 
who were not members coming in. From thence we went to 
Plumbstead, where, by previous appointment, we had a meeting 
the next day. Both these meetings were seasons of favour. 
Surely, it is cause of deep humiliation, when we consider the 
many sorrowful deviations which are obvious among us from the 
simplicity and purity of our holy profession, and the great want 
of faithfulness in the support of those noble testimonies given us 
to bear, for the Prince of peace : yet, nevertheless, in the midst of 
all our backslidings, the condescending goodness of our heavenly 
Father is such, as to break the bread and distil the water of life, 
often, on our gathered assemblies ; satisfying the hungry and 
thirsty soul, and causing his heavenly rain to descend on the 
thoughtless and worldly-minded professors, whose hearts are like 
the dry and barren ground, in order that they may be softened 
and rendered fit for the seed of his heavenly kingdom to take root 
in and grow, to the praise of his grace, and the glory of his great 
and excellent name. 

From Plumbstead we proceeded to Buckingham, and rested on 
seventh day, as I was still unwell with a cough, although much 
better than when I left home. On first day we attended Friends' 
meeting here, which was large, and favoured with the over- 
shadowings of the heavenly Father'.- regard, which caused the 
faithful to rejoice. On second day we rested with our ancient and 
worthy friend, Oliver Paxton, who was under deep bodily afflic- 
tion, and appeared drawing fast towards his close. He was lively 
in spirit, and cheerfully and patiently resigned- to his heavenly 



ELIAS HICKS. 313 

Master's will. It was comfortable and instructive to be in his 
company. 

On third day we were at Solebury meeting, of which our 
aforesaid friend was a member ; and, although in much weak- 
ness and affliction of body, he accompanied us thereto, and a 
blessed meeting we had. After this, I parted with him in near 
unity of spirit, which was a final parting to us, as to the body : 
for he lived but a short time after. He was an elder and judge 
in Israel ; and his memory will be precious to all the living, who 
were acquainted with him, and knew his worth. 

The three following days we attended meetings at Wright's 
Town, Makefield, and Newtown. These were all large, favour- 
ed meetings, in which the power of truth was exalted over all 
opposition. 

On seventh day we rested, and wrote to our families. 

On first day, the 21st of 9th month, we attended Horsham 
meeting, which was very large. Strength was afforded me .to 
communicate to the people, and open many gospel truths, to the 
relief of my own mind, and, I trust, to the general satisfaction, 
comfort and instruction of the assembly, which was composed of 
various denominations of professed Christians, besides Friends. 

Second and third days. We attended meetings at Upper Dub- 
lin and North Wales. In both of these meetings the heavenly 
Father's power and presence were felt to preside, in an eminent 
degree, breaking down and reducing by its blessed influence all 
opposing and contrary spirits, and coyering the assemblies with 
a precious solemnity, especially the latter, in which truth reigned 
triumphantly over all. 

On fourth day we had an appointed meeting in a village called 
Norristown. It was held in their court-house, there being only 
a few scattered members of our society living in the place. The 
meeting was pretty large, principally of people of other professions ; 
among whom was the chief judge, and several lawyers and 
priests. All were quiet, and through the condescending goodness 
of the Shepherd of Israel, it was, I trust and believe, to most pre- 
sent, a very instructive and precious season. 

40 



i 



314 JOURNAL OF 

Fifth and sixth days. We were at Friends' meetings as they 
came in course, at Plymouth and Providence. Notice having 
been given of our coming, they were much enlarged by the attend- 
ance of the neighbours who were not members. These were 
precious opportunities, in which help was afforded to preach the 
gospel of life and salvation to the people, accompanied with a 
power which broke down* and subjected all to its blessed influ- 
ence ; for which unmerited favour, the hearts of the faithful were 
made to rejoice, and in deep humiliation, to return thanksgiving 
and praise to the benevolent and gracious Author of all our 
blessings. 

On seventh day we rested at Charlestown. On first day 
attended the meeting at that place, which was large, many more 
attending than the house could contain. The three following 
days we attended meetings at the Valley, Pikeland, and Nantmill. 
These were all precious meetings, in which the Lord's presence 
and power were manifested for our help. 

On fifth day we proceeded to Columbia, a town situated on the 
east side of the river Susquehannah. We had an appointed 
meeting there the next day, in which truth prevailed ; neverthe- 
less, a hireling priest who attended the meeting, afterwards made 
some objection to the doctrine delivered, as it counteracted his 
traditional belief concerning the atonement, the carnal ordinances 
of water baptism, and the outward bread and wine, and preaching 
for hire, and the scriptures being the only rule of faith and prac- 
tice ; the fallacy and inutility of all which had been laid open and 
exposed. This roused his opposition ; and indeed, it is not to be 
wondered at, as it goes to overthrow all their craft, by which they 
have their wealth. 

We proceeded from thence to Little York, and rested on seventh 
day. On first day, attended Friends' meeting there. It was ;i 
pretty large, favoured meeting, but not feeling my mind fully ctea r, 
I proposed another meeting in the evening ; and, notice being 
given accordingly, it was very large, more than the house could 
contain. It was a blessed meeting, in which the 1 lord's presence 
and power were manifested, and truth raised into dominion 
over all. 



ELIAS HICKS. 315 

The four following days, we had meetings at Newbury, War- 
rington, Huntington and Monallin. In these opportunities my 
mind was much engaged to turn the attention of the people from 
man, and from all dependance on any thing without them, to the 
inward principle of divine light and truth, the great gospel minis- 
ter ; Which, as it is heeded and obeyed, leadeth into all truth, and 
out of all errour ; and without whose teaching, the true and 
saving knowledge of God and Christ, which only brings eternal 
life to the soul, can never be obtained, although we may be 
favoured to sit under the most powerful gospel ministry, through 
the instrumentality of man, however divinely qualified to that end, 
from youth to old age. For all that the best outward instru- 
mental help, either from reading the scriptures, or hearing the 
gospel preached in the clear demonstration of the spirit, can do for 
any man, is only to point to, and lead the minds of the children 
of men home to this divine inward principle, manifested in their 
own hearts and minds. 

These were all favoured, instructive seasons, worthy of grateful 
remembrance. 

From Monallin we rode to Baltimore, in order to attend the 
yearly meeting at that place, where we arrived on sixth day eve- 
ning, the 10th of 10th month. The yearly meeting of Ministers 
and Elders opened the next day at the tenth hour, and the yearly 
meeting lor discipline at the tenth hour, on the following second 
-day ; and continued by adjournments until the next sixth day at 
evening, when the meeting closed under an evident sense of divine 
favour, and which had been graciously extended through the 
several sittings of the . meeting. I had much general and par- 
ticular service in the course of the meetings, both in those for 
worship, and those for discipline; tending to gather Friends' 
minds, to an inward, faithful exercise for the support and promo- 
tion of those noble testimonies, that we, as a people, are called to 
bear for the Prince of Peace ; and for the exaltation of truth and 
righteousness in the earth. The Lord our gracious helper, by 
his presence and power, manifested himself to be near, setting 
home the doctrines delivered to his witness in the hearts of most 
present ; whereby Friends appeared generally to be united in 



316 JOURNAL OF 

spirit, and comforted together under a renewed sense of the Lord's 
goodness ; and we parted from each other with thankful hearts. 

The meeting being ended, we left the city the next morning, 
in order to take a few meetings which lay westerly, or south- 
westerly from this place. We were out from the city about two 
weeks, and attended the following meetings, viz : Pipe Creek, 
Bush Creek, Fairfax, Goose Creek, South Fork, Alexandria, 
Washington, Sandy Spring, Indian Spring, and Elk-Ridge. All 
favoured meetings, in which the Lord's power and presence were 
manifested for our help, enabling to preach the gospel in the 
authority of truth, to the comfort and instruction of the honest 
seekers, and rejoicing the hearts of the faithful, and administering 
reproof and caution to the disobedient and ungodly, and to such as 
are living at ease without God in the world. I felt sweet peace 
in my labours of love among them. 

After the latter meeting, we returned again to Baltimore on 
sixth day afternoon, the 31st of 10th month. Here we con- 
tinued until the 11th of 11th month, not only attending Friends' 
usual meetings as they came in course in the city, but likewise 
their monthly meetings, and quarterly meeting, which were 
held during the time. In all of these I was led into much 
exercise and religious labour, both in the ministry and in the 
discipline and order of the Church. We had, likewise, during 
our stay in the city, three very large, satisfactory evening meetings 
with the citizens at large. Two were for the white people, and 
one for the people of colour,. I was led forth among them, and 
strengthened largely to declare of the things concerning the 
kingdom of God, and to open to their consideration divers import- 
ant doctrines of the gospel, in the authority and demonstration 
of truth, apparently to their general satisfaction, and to the com- 
fort and edification of my friends, and the solid peace of my own 
mind. I then took leave of them, under the precious uniting 
influence of the heavenly Father's love, and the covering of deep 
thankfulness and gratitude for the unmerited favour. 

On third day, the 11th of the month, we left the city and pro- 
ceeded to a place called the Bush, where there is a small meeting 
of Friends. The three following days we attended meetings at 



ELIAS HICKS. 317 

that place, at Deer Creek, and East Nottingham, all favoured 
seasons. After the latter meeting on seventh day, we proceeded 
to Wilmington, and attended Friends' meetings there the next 
day, both forenoon and afternoon, in which truth favoured with 
ability to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit, 
suited, I trust, to the states of many, or most, of the people which 
composed those large assemblies, and I left them with peace of 
mind. 

On second day I rode to London Grove, accompanied by my 
kind friend William Poole of Brandy wine, my companion being 
disposed to tarry a day longer at Wilmington. On third day the 
quarterly meeting opened there with a meeting of Ministers and 
Elders ; in which I was led to open to Friends of that meeting, 
the great obligations and accountability which attached to those 
who consented to take seats in such meetings. For it placed us 
in the front of society, and consequently we were looked to as the 
leaders of the people ; and therefore if we should fall short in 
faithfully holding up those precious testimonies we are called to 
bear for the Prince of. Peace, and i*i lending forward the flock by 
advancing the reformation as truth opens the way, we shall 
become stumbling blocks in the way of the honest travellers, and 
thereby shut up their way to improvement, by which they may 
be discouraged and fall back and be lost ; in consequence whereof 
it is to be feared, their blood might be required at the hands of 
such unfaithful and dilatory shepherds. It was an instructive 
searching opportunity, in which truth prevailed in an humbling 
degree. 

The next day was the meeting for discipline. It was also a 
very favoured searching season, in which many of the hidden 
things of Esau or the first nature were brought to light and 
exposed, and the careless worldly-minded professors reproved, and 
the honest-hearted comforted and encouraged. 

After this, feeling a draft of love to those not in membership 
with us, I proposed an opportunity for them the next day ; and 
Friends uniting therewith, a meeting was accordingly appointed. 
It was a large gathering and mercifully owned by the Head of 
the Church, by the gracious manifestation of his divine presence; 



318 JOURNAL OF 

under the blessed 'influence of which, the gospel was preached in 
the demonstration of the spirit, and I parted with them under a 
thankful sense of the Lord's mercy, accompanied with a peaceful 
mind, and rode that afternoon to Concord. 

On sixth day we rode to Darby and lodged with our kind 
friend Edward Garrigues, who accompanied us the next morning 
to Philadelphia. Here we continued about a week, attending 
Friends' meetings in the city as they came in course. As infor- 
mation of our coming had spread in the town the meetings were 
greatly thronged, and at some places many more than the houses 
couldTcontain ; people of varied professions, and some of almost 
every description, high and low, appeared eager to attend. It 
seemed a renewed visitation to the people in general, Friends and 
others; and not only at meetings but in Friends' families where we 
visited, large numbers, especially of the younger classes, would 
soon collect ; so that those opportunities were made seasons of 
instruction and edification. For the Lord, I believe, beheld them 
with a gracious eye, and opened my heart and mouth in con- 
verse and communication, to the comfort and satisfaction of their 
inquiring minds, and enabled me in each meeting: to communi- 
cate in the line of the gospel in large impressive testimonies, 
affording instruction, comfort and edification to the assemblies in 
general ; and I felt a great power of love to flow freely towards 
them, which caused my heart to rejoice ; and I was made glad 
in believing that it was the Lord's doing, and it was marvellous 
in mine eyes. 

After I had got through Friends' meetings, I felt my mind 
drawn to have a public opportunity for those not of our society ; 
and Friends uniting therewith, it was concluded to be held on 
the evening of sixth day. Friends apprehending that the .num- 
bers who would be desirous of attending would be Aery groat, il 
was appointed at Mulberry-street, their largest house. As (he not ice 
was given at the monthly meeting at that house 4 , Friends like- 
wise appointed a large committee of men and women to have the 
oversight of its gathering, and to keep Friends out until their neigh- 
bours should first have seals: but the number that collected of 
oilier peopWMvassogreal.il in I jl was supposed as many went a\\a\ 



ELIAS HICKS. 319 

after the house was filled, and the yard around the house as far 
as they could hear, as there was in the house. Every avenue 
in the house was filled with people, standing as close as they 
could crowd together. Such a collection of people I never saw 
together before on any such occasion. It was with great diffi- 
culty that I got into the meeting, and when I had taken my seat, 
in viewing the crowded state of the multitude, I was ready to fear 
that the pressure of the people upon one another would destroy 
the solemnity of the meeting ; but as I centered down to the gift, 
' life and strength sprang up, and faith was increased ; and the 
( Lord made bare his arm for our help, and soon opened my mouth 
I among them, which brought a precious calm over the assembly. 
Indeed I could scarcely have thought it possible had I not seen 
! it, that such a large promiscuous- multitude, made up almost of 
every description of people, should in a few moments be brought 
into such a perfect state of quiet and remain so for hours, until 
the meeting closed; especially as in the midst of the meeting 
while I was communicating, some ill advised persons, in order to 
disturb the meeting, made a great cry of fire, rattling their engines 
along the street near the house, but it had no tendency to break 
the solemnity of the meeting. My heart and all that was alive 
within me, was bowed in humble thankfulness to the Lord our 
gracious helper, for such a marvellous and unmerited favour. 
As my whole man was filled with a flow of heavenly love to the 
multitude, it was likewise very comfortable to feel a mutual 
return from them, for all that could come near me manifested it, 
both by conduct and converse; such a time I never witnessed 
before : surely it was the Lord's doing, and to him belongs all 
the praise and glory of his own work, nothing due to the creature 
but blushing and confusion of face. So let it be. Amen, saith 
my spirit. 

After having got thus favourably through my service in the 
city, the next morning I took an affectionate farewell of my 
friends there, in much unity of spirit, and passed over the Dela- 
ware to Newtown, in Jersey; where by previous appointment 
I had a meeting at the eleventh hour. A considerable number 
of Friends accompanied me thither from the city. Here we had 



320 JOURNAL OF 

another precious instructive meeting-. The next day being the 
first of the week, we attended Friends' meeting at Woodbury ; 
and notice being spread of our intention of being there it was 
unusually large; and through the condescending goodness of Him 
who opens and none can shut, my heart and mouth were opened 
in a large effective testimony, in which was opened to the people 
divers of the most essential doctrines of Christianity, I trust, to 
the general instruction and edification of those present, and to the 
comfort and peace of my own mind. 

The seven following days we attended meetings at Mulica 
Hill, Upper Greenwich, Penn's Neck, Piles Grove, Salem, Allo- 
way's Creek, and Lower Greenwich. These were all large 
favoured meetings, particularly the one at Salem ; at which place 
the county court was then sitting, which was adjourned by the 
judge in order to give the people generally an opportunity to 
attend the meeting, which they did ; the judge and lawyers with 
the rest of the court also attended. The gospel was preached to 
them and the doctrines of Christianity largely opened, apparently 
to the satisfaction of all ; and truth was raised into dominion over 
all that was contrary to its blessed influence. 

From the latter place we proceeded on second day, the 8th of 
12th month, to Morris River, alias Port Elizabeth, where we had 
a very instructive edifying meeting the next day. The day 
following we rode to Little Eggharbour ; and the next day being 
the fifth of the week, we attended Friends' monthly meeting 
there. The meeting for worship was favoured, and truth pre- 
vailed by way of testimony ; and many gospel truths were opened 
to the consideration of the people, whereby many hearts were 
humbled and contrited. 

The meeting for discipline was very weakly conducted. The 
order of truth being at a low ebb with Friends of this place, and 
but little hope of improvement, unless the younger classes in 
society come forward in more faithfulness than their elder breth- 
ren have done. For most of the few that are left appeared to 
be settling on their lees, without any thought or prospect of 
advancing the noble testimonies we are called to bear. 

Our next meeting was at Bamegat : the day being rainy it 



ELIAS HICKS. 321 

was small, yet a precious favoured season. The next day being 
the seventh of the week we rode to Squan, and the two following 
days attended the meeting at that place and at Squancum ; but 
the weather being still rainy, these were also small meetings : 
but the power of truth being present for our help, tendered the 
opportunities instructive and edifying. After the latter meeting 
we proceeded to Shrewsbury, and on third day, the 16th of 12th 
month, we had an appointed meeting there which was large and 
satisfactory. Many gospel truths were fully and clearly opened 
to the apparent satisfaction, and, I trust, to the instruction and 
edification of the assembly in general. It was a very solemn 
meeting, in which truth was raised into dominion, humbling 
and contriting many hearts ; and which brought my religious 
labours in this journey to a peaceful close. 

After this, the three following days I passed directly home, and 
found my dear wife, children, and grand-children in usual health, 
to our mutual rejoicing. For this favour, together with the con- 
tinued evidence of the divine favour which had accompanied me 
in this journey, strengthening and enabling me from day to day, 
faithfully to perform the work and service the Lord had appointed 
me, my mind was impressed with deep thankfulness and grati- 
tude for the unmerited mercy. 

Praise the Lord, O my soul! and forget not any of his benefits, 
for he hath dealt bountifully with thee, and set thee above all 
thine enemies, to the exaltation of his own glorious name and 
power ; and who is God over all, blessed for ever. 



41 



322 JOURNAL OP 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Engagements at and near home, and within the limits of Westbury quarterly 
meeting — Visit to some parts of the yearly meeting of New-York, 1818. 

First day, the 21st of 12th month, 1817. I again met with 
my friends at home, in our own meeting, and was glad to see 
them ; having been absent nearly four months, in which time I 
travelled about eleven hundred miles, and attended eighty-five 
meetings for worship, and eleven for discipline. And now, at 
home, I find no time to be idle ; for in this first meeting, my mind 
was brought under exercise, and I had to tell my friends, that if 
we would be Christians, we must be united to Christ, and learn 
by his example to do good for evil ; as it is no certain mark of a 
real Christian, to be in the practice of mutual returns of good 
offices to one another. For sinners give and lend to sinners, to 
receive as much again. I found afterwards that there was just 
occasion for my exercise, as some of my neighbours, members of 
society, had been disputing and differing about trivial matters of 
property. Alas for such ! what peace can they have on earth, 
and much less can they hope for any in heaven, when done with 
time. For such dispositions cannot possibly be happy in the pre- 
sence of a just, holy, and merciful Being, who is love ineffable. 

I sat our meeting on fifth day in silence, and nothing unusual 
occurred the rest of the week. 

First day, the 28th. I was led, while sitting in our meeting 
to-day, into a view of the great want generally manifested by the 
people, of living in the fear of the Lord, and of seeking to be ini- 
tiated into his kingdom of peace and love ; as nothing short of it 
can administer to any the joys of salvation, or produce a real 
redemption from the power of evil. The subject spread on my 



ELIAS HICKS. 



323 



mind, and opened to a pretty full communication, in the line of 
close caution and warning to the indolent and unconcerned, res- 
pecting the necessary preparation for our final change. A solemn 
weight spread over the assembly, and I have a hope the labour 
will not be all lost, but sink deep and remain on some minds. 

In the course of this week my case seemed to resemble Mor- 
decai's of old j after riding the king's horse, he had to retire to the 
king's gate, and there wait for fresh direction. I also felt my 
mind brought into a waiting quiet state, in poverty of spirit. 
Attended our fifth day meeting mostly in silence, except just 
before the close I had to remark to Friends the great advan- 
tage that accrued to us by being embodied together in religious 
society, under the influence of truth, as our duties and religious 
obligations became more binding upon us, especially the diligent 
attendance of meetings for worship, which gave us frequent 
opportunity of inquiring into our own states, and how far we 
stood accepted in the divine sight, and w T ere at peace with Him 
and with all men ; for this is a very requisite care which ought 
not to be neglected, but always be first in our minds. 

First day, the 4th of 1st month, 1818. Having felt my mind 
for several days drawn to sit with my friends at Martinicock, I 
accordingly went on this day, accompanied by my wife and 
daughter Elizabeth. Although the meeting was not altogether 
so large as at some other times on this day of the week, the 
weather being cold, yet the opportunity, through the manifesta- 
tion of divine regard, by which I was enabled to preach the gos- 
pel in the demonstration of truth, was rendered an instructive 
edifying season, and we were comforted together under a renewed 
sense of the Lord's goodness. 

Second day. I attended the funeral of a neighbour. It was 
a promiscuous gathering of different societies of professed Chris- 
tians. I was largely led forth among them to declare of the 
things concerning the kingdom of God, and to open to the people 
in a clear and impressive manner, the way and means by which 
we may come to have an inheritance therein, and that nothing 
short of our coming into a passive state without a will of our own, 
as a little child, agreeably to the doctrine of our Lord, will ever 



324 JOURNAL OP 

qualify us for that blessed inheritance, where nothing that worketh 
an abomination or maketh a lie can ever enter. It was a season 
of favour, in which truth had the victory, and I felt peace in 
my labour of love among them. 

On third day I went to New- York, accompanied by my son-in- 
law Valentine Hicks, in order to attend the monthly meeting of 
Friends there, which came the next day. I attended it accord- 
ingly. It was a pretty full meeting, in which I was led in a 
close, searching line in my testimony, which agitated some of the 
worshippers in the outer court, and made them fretful. Alas for 
such professors ! what will they do in the end, when the winds 
blow and the rains descend ? Surely their sandy foundation will 
fail them ; then will they be made to call to the rocks and moun- 
tains* of their own exalted self-righteousness, to cover them from 
the prevailing indignation which they have brought upon them- 
selves, by their own neglect of a right improvement of the talent 
with which they had been entrusted, and which they had buried 
in an earthly mind ; but their cries will be in vain, as the hypo- 
crite's hope will perish. 

Fifth day. I attended Friends' meeting held in the middle of 
the week at Flushing, at which there was a marriage, which caused 
it to be much enlarged, by many of the neighbouring inhabitants 
coming in who do not usually attend. It was a favoured season, 
in which I was led to communicate divers important doctrines of 
the Christian religion, and to open the true ground of the mar- 
riage covenant, whereby male and female may be rightly joined 
together, so as to become true helpers and blessings to each other. 
After this, I returned home that evening with the blessing of 
peace, the sure reward of faithfulness, and retired willingly to the 
waiting gate of inward trust, and poverty of spirit. 

First day, the 11th. My mind was led into a view of the 
necessity of doing all our works to please God, and not to please 
ourselves, or one another ; and the only way to please our neigh- 
bours to edification, was to do all to please the Lord, who hath 
promised that if our ways please him he will make our enemies 
to be at peace with us. The subject spread and led to communi- 
cation, in which the people were invited to acquaint themselves 



ELIAS HICKS. 325 

with God, and be at peace with him by doing his will, and not 
our own, whereby good would come unto us ; hence we should 
please one another to our mutual edification and comfort. 

On fifth day our monthly meeting was held. It was a season 
of exercise, occasioned by a case of difficulty being improperly 
introduced into the meeting. 

I saw clearly the meeting could not get along with it in its 
present form, as it had taken ground which was not tenable. 
It was therefore agreed to dismiss the subject for the present, and 
let it be taken up anew, unless on a further investigation by the 
overseers, it should be settled. 

How necessary it is for those who take an active part in the 
discipline of the Church, to wait for a right qualification, and not 
to put a hand to the work until they are rightly called and 
furnished, with that wisdom which is profitable to direct ; for other- 
wise, instead of advancing the cause of righteousness, they may 
retard its progress, and do harm to themselves, like Uzza of old, 
when he put forth an unsanctified hand to steady the ark. 

I opened in this meeting to my friends, a prospect 1 had of 
paying a religious visit to some of the neighbouring inhabitants 
not in membership with us, within the borders of our quarterly 
meeting ; with which the meeting united, and left me at liberty 
to pursue the prospect as way might open for it. 

The rest of this w T eek was spent in the care of my necessary 
temporal concerns, and the week ended with peace of mind 
and a thankful heart, for the continued blessings of a gracious 
Providence. 

First day, the 18th. Our meeting to-day was favoured, and 
the power of truth exalted, and the gospel preached in its own 
authority, and a precious solemnity spread over the meeting, which 
ended in thanksgiving for the mercy, and solemn supplication for 
the continuance of divine regard. 

In the course of this week our quarterly meeting was held at 
Westbury. It was a favoured season, particularly the last day or 
closing meeting for public worship, in which the Lord's presence 
and power were manifested in an eminent degree, and truth was 
exalted and a precious solemnity spread over the assembly, con- 



326 JOURNAL OF 

victing, contriting, and comforting many hearts ; to the praise 
of Him who is calling us out of darkness into his marvellous 
light. 

First day, the 25th. A silent meeting on my part to-day. 
How comfortable it is to sit silently under the shadow of our own 
vine and our own fig-tree, where none can make afraid. 

Second day. I attended the funeral of my eldest and last 
surviving brother. I am now the last and only survivor of six 
brethren, and am myself arrived nearly to the age of three score 
and ten ; therefore cannot expect many more days, as I con- 
tinually feel time making its ravages on the animal system, and 
which, as a faithful herald, exclaims repeatedly to the inward 
ear, " prepare to die." There was a large promiscuous collection of 
people of different societies attended the funeral. I was largely led 
forth among them to declare the way of life and salvation, and to 
open many very important doctrines of the Christian religion. The 
assembly were generally very quiet and attentive, and, I believe, 
to many, it was a season of solid instruction and edification. 
I left them with peace of mind and a thankful heart. 

I attended our fifth day meeting as usual, and mostly in silence. 
On sixth day I attended the funeral of a person not in member- 
ship. It was principally made up of the poorer kind of people, 
who made little or no profession of religion, except a few Friends 
and some of the Methodist society. I was deeply baptized into 
a feeling of their weak state, in which I was led to communicate 
according to their capacity to receive : which brought a comfort- 
able solemnity over the assembly to their general satisfaction, and 
I felt peace in my labour of love among them. 

First day, the 1st of 2d month. As I sat musing in silence in 
our meeting, my mind was led into a view of the great mischief 
and harm which result to mankind, by their giving way to harbour 
and indulge vain and evil thoughts. The subject spread and led 
to communication, in which I had to show to the assembly that 
our redemption and salvation principally depended on a right 
government of our thoughts, and that if men and women were 
us fearful of evil thinking as they are of evil doing, and as desi- 
rous of avoiding one as the other, they would soon find themselves 



ELIAS HICKS. 327 

empowered as fully to avoid evil thinking as to avoid evil doing; 
and this would be a suppression of sin in its first rise: and there 
is no other way for any man or woman to become righteous and 
holy in the sight of God, who as certainly at all times sees our 
evil thoughts, and more so than man can see our evil actions : 
yet nevertheless poor blind forgetful man will please and enter- 
tain himself with abundance of evil thoughts in the open view 
of his Maker, while at the same time he would dread to expose 
them by overt acts, in the view of men. This shows how much 
more predominant the fear of man is with the most of mankind, 
than the fear of God their Creator. I hope the opportunity was 
profitable and instructive to some present. 

Second day, the 9th.- I rode to New- York in order to attend 
the meeting for sufferings which came the next day, and which I 
attended accordingly. After this I spent several days in the city 
and neighbourhood, in prosecuting the concern I opened before 
our last monthly meeting. My kinsman Isaac Hicks accompa- 
nied me. 

I attended Pearl-street meeting as it came in course on fourth 
day, and had an appointed meeting at the same place in the 
evening, for the inhabitants of the town at large. It was a very 
full meeting, many more collected than the house could contain. 
The next day I attended Friends' meeting at Manhattan ville, 
and in the evening had a public meeting in the city, at Friends' 
meeting-house in Liberty-street. These were all full favoured 
meetings, in which truth reigned and subjected, at least for the 
present, all contrary spirits, which was cause of humble thankful- 
ness to my mind. 

We left the city on sixth day and had an appointed meeting 
at Brooklyn in the evening. On seventh day we had two meet- 
ings in Newtown, the first at Friends' meeting-house at the 
Kilns, and the latter at the town in the evening. These three 
last meetings were principally made up of people of other societies, 
who behaved very commendably and appeared well affected with 
the meetings; and truth's testimonies were largely and satisfac- 
torily opened in each meeting, comforting and contriting many 
hearts, and to the solid peace of my own mind. 



328 JOURNAL OF 

On first day, the 15th, I attended Friends' meeting at Flush- 
ing, and some notice having been spread of my coming, it was 
large ; and was added to by a number from Newtown, of other 
societies who had attended the two meetings held there the 
day before. This was also an open instructive meeting, in 
which divers doctrines of the gospel were communicated in the 
life, to the edification of the people. The next day I returned 
home and found my family well, which, with the peace of mind 
that accompanied, produced thankfulness of heart to the blessed 
Author of all our mercies and blessings. 

Fifth day. I attended our monthly meeting. It was rather a 
dull exercising season, in which I was led into some painful 
labour. 

On sixth day, I proceeded again on the visit to some of the 
neighbouring inhabitants. Had an appointed meeting in the 
evening at Hempstead Harbour, and the next evening at the 
lower part of Cowneck. Both were full meetings. In the former 
I was largely opened by way of testimony, and many important 
doctrines of the gospel were communicated for the instruction 
and edification of the people, and I left them with peace of mind. 
In the latter I was mostly silent. On first day I attended Friends' 
meeting at Cowneck, which was well attended ; many of the 
neighbouring inhabitants coming in that were not members, 
who behaved soberly. It was a favoured satisfactory season, in 
which truth reigned. 

In the evening I had a pretty large instructive meeting in the 
village of Herricks. It was a solemn time, in which many truths 
of the gospel were clearly opened, apparently to the satisfaction 
and edification of the assembly in general, and I returned home 
next morning with peace of mind. 

On fourth day I attended Bethpage meeting, at which there 
was a marriage, which occasioned the meeting to be very large. 
I think it was much the largest I had ever seen in that place. 
There was a large number of young people, and although many 
of them appeared raw and undisciplined, yet they generally 
behaved orderly during the meeting, and I had a pretty open 
time among them. I was led to set forth the nature and dignity 



ELIAS HICKS. 329 

of the marriage covenant when rightly entered into, and the sad 
reverse, when rashly and unadvisedly undertaken ; and espe- 
cially so when unequally yoked together, and of different persua- 
sions as to religion : for being disunited in the main point, it 
most certainly must tend to disturb their quiet and imbitter their 
enjoyments. And the offspring of such connexions are greatly 
to be pitied; attached by nature to both parents, how confused 
must be their ideas with regard to which they shall follow ; and 
as it often happens, the boys going with their father, and the 
daughters with their mother ; hence, children which ought to be 
bound together in the strongest ties of natural affection and con- 
sanguinity, are in early life divided in principle and in conduct, 
by which they become alienated from each other. To avoid 
which the youth were earnestly and affectionately invited and 
admonished to put in practice the exhortation of Jesus Christ to 
his immediate followers, and the people which resorted to hear 
him, viz : To seek first the kingdom of God and his righteous- 
ness, in a full belief that as we comply therewith, all other things 
needful and consolatory will be added. 

I attended our own meeting the next day in silence, and feel- 
ing a stop in my mind as to proceeding further at present in the 
visit before me, I turned my attention to my family concerns, not 
being willing to spend any of my precious time in idleness. 

First day. Sat our meeting in silence. It is a precious thing 
and very consoling, to all Zion's exercised travellers in the path 
of duty, to be instructed how and when to speak, and when to 
keep silence. 

Fifth day. A silent meeting. Spent the rest of the week in 
attention to my family concerns. 

First day, the 8th of 3d month. A favoured open time in our 
meeting to-day, in which the gospel was preached in its own 
authority, and in which the excellency and reality of the divine 
principle of grace and truth was opened and explained ; showing 
it to be the same breath of life which was breathed into man on 
the day of his creation, and which constituted the divine image 
in man, and is the Lamb or innocent life of God, and which 

42 



330 JOURNAL OF 

innocent life was slain in our first parents by their first transgres- 
sion. Hence it is called the Lamb slain from the foundation of 
the world, agreeably to the scriptures ; but no otherwise slain 
than by man's rejecting it, and turning away from it, into the 
serpentine wisdom ; by which man became dead to this divine 
life, and that dead to him. Hence the denunciation was fulfilled 
on man, in the day thou eatest thereof, that is, in the day thou 
turnest away from this divine life, and presumest to know good 
and evil for thyself, thou shalt, or wilt, surely die ; which was 
accordingly fulfilled on our first parents in the day of their 
transgression, and consequently on all their offspring who have 
followed their example. Agreeably to the apostle Paul's doctrine, 
it then follows, that as in Adam all die, that is, as in our trans- 
gressing like Adam, we take upon us Adam's nature in the fall, 
which nature is a state of death ; so on the contrary, as we turn 
inward to the divine light and law, and repent of our transgres- 
sions, and become sincerely obedient thereunto, by denying our- 
selves and taking up our cross daily, we then come into the 
obedience of Christ ; not doing our own will, but the will of our 
heavenly Father. We then put on Christ and become partakers 
of his divine nature, and thereby come to witness in our own 
experience, not only that in Adam, that is, in Adam's nature in 
the fall, which we have taken upon us by our own transgression, 
and not by Adam's, we die or witness a state of death to the 
divine nature : so likewise in our coming into the obedience of 
Christ, we take upon us his divine nature; and are thereby made 
alive and come to witness the Lamb which was slain in us, 
while we remained in Adam's nature, to rise from the dead and 
become Christ in us the hope of glory, or the Lamb of God which 
taketh away the sin of the world. Therefore all the varied 
names given in scripture to this divine light and life, such as 
Emmanuel, Jesus, sent of God, great Prophet, Christ our Lord, 
Grace, Unction, Anointed, &c. mean one and the same thing ; 
and are nothing less nor more, than the spirit and power of God 
in the soul of man, as his Creator, Preserver, Condemner, Re- 
deemer, Saviour, Sanctifier and Justiiier. 



ELIAS HICKS. 331 

Spent the rest of the week at and about home. Attended our 
preparative meeting on fifth day. The meeting for worship I 
sat mostly in silence. 

First day, the 15th. In the course of our meeting I felt con- 
strained to communicate some plain truths in doctrine and in 
caution, to the unguarded and refractory; but which seemed too 
much to rebound, for want of a disposition in such to receive the 
word preached, as they are apt to kick against the truth when it 
is plainly told them ; this causes hard labour to the messengers, 
who, although they feel the woe and are constrained to labour, 
yet find little satisfaction therein, except in the consciousness of 
having faithfully done their duty to their careless and deficient 
brethren and fellow creatures. 

In the afternoon I proceeded in the concern before expressed, 
in visiting some of the neighbouring inhabitants. Had an 
appointed meeting at Jerusalem in the evening, and on second 
day, a meeting about four miles westerly from thence. On third 
day I had one further on, in a southwesterly direction, among a 
people in moderate circumstances as to this world, but whose 
minds seemed generally open to receive the doctrines of truth. I 
also had a meeting in the evening of this day in the town of 
Hempstead. These were all large favoured meetings, especially 
the last, which was unusually so, and in which the truths of the 
gospel were largely communicated, apparently to the satisfaction 
and edification of the assembly, and to the peace of my own 
mind. We returned home the next day, attending Westbury 
monthly meeting in our way. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. In the meeting 
for worship I was led to open to Friends the many precious advan- 
tages and privileges resulting from a firm faith and sincere trust 
in the Almighty Jehovah. For thereby we come to witness all 
those great and precious promises fulfilled which the scriptures 
mention, and know in our own experience that they who trust 
in the Lord are never confounded. 

The rest of the week I was busily employed in a variety of 
temporal concerns, as I find no time to be idle, either in body 
or mind, for nothing affords so much true peace as a con- 



332 JOURNAL OF 

sciousness of the right improvement and employment of precious 
time. 

First day, the 22d. By previous appointment I attended a 
meeting at the house of our friend James Rushmore, at the Half- 
way Hollow Hills, at the eleventh hour, and in the evening at a 
place called Babylon, on the south side of the Island. These meet- 
ings, by the extreme inclemency of the weather, were small, espe- 
cially the first, where it was like the two or three as to number, yet 
I found a good degree of satisfaction in faithfully attending to the 
appointment, although I had to ride a dozen miles or more 
through the storm, which was so extreme as to prevent nearly 
all the neighbours from attending the meeting, and in our pass- 
ing from one meeting to the other, the wind blew with such 
violence, that our carriage seemed several times near blowing 
over ; but we got along safe, and had a comfortable meeting at 
the latter place in the evening. After this I rode to my son-in- 
law Joshua Willits', at Islip, and lodged. I spent most of the 
next day at his house, and on third day at the eleventh hour had 
a pretty large favoured meeting at the house of our friend Thomas 
Whitson, at Oysterbay South. After this I returned home. 

In our fifth day meeting I was made an example of silence. 

First day, the 29th. In our meeting to-day I was led into an 
enlightened view of the excellency of faith, and its blessed effects 
on the minds of those who come to witness its lively operation. 

The subject opened to communication in a large affecting tes- 
timony, recapitulating its wonder-working power in the holy 
ancients, and showing that its efficacy was the same now as in 
former days, to those who become rightly initiated into it through 
faithful obedience to divine requiring, as nothing else will establish 
us in that living faith which works by love, and gives victory over 
the world. 

Fifth day. Attended Friends' meeting at Martinicock, in 
which I was an example of silence. At the second hour in the 
afternoon, I attended the funeral of Charles Thome, a person 
inclining to Friends, in the neighbourhood of Moscheto Cove. 
There was a large collection of the neighbours, among whom I 
was led to communicate and open divers essential doctrines of 



ELIAS HICKS. 333 

the gospel, and to set forth the design and end of the types and 
shadows of the law dispensation given to Israel, and to Israel 
only ; and to show that they were finished and abolished by the 
introduction of the gospel state, or the diffusion of the spirit of 
truth, or Holy Ghost, in the minds of the believers, by which 
only we can come to have a living faith made perfect by good 
works, because faith without works is dead. 

First day, the 5th of 4th month. A silent meeting to-day. 
This week busily employed in my temporal concerns, even so as 
to occasion wearisomeness at times. What a comfortable state 
would even this world afford, if men and women were all 
honest enough to do their right portion of labour, for want of 
which thousands in every country are inventing pitiful and 
unrighteous schemes to obtain a livelihood from the labours of 
others. These, let them be high or low, learned or unlearned, 
rich or poor, make up that class of mankind, who grievously 
oppress and grind the faces of the poor. 

First day, the 12th. I had a precious open time in our meet- 
ing to-day, in which I was led largely to open many truths of the 
gospel, in a clear instructive manner, which brought a precious 
solemnity over the meeting, and which closed under the sensible 
covering of divine favour. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. It was the time 
for preparing answers to the queries to go up to the yearly meet- 
ing, and was, I believe, a season of profitable exercise. 

First day, the 19th. I had good service in our meeting to-day, 
and through the overshadowing wing of divine kindness, it 
proved a precious opportunity. In the course of this week I 
attended our quarterly meeting, held at this time in New- York. 
It was a favoured season in the several sittings of it, affording 
encouragement to the honest-hearted, to persevere on in their 
heavenly way without turning aside to the right hand or the left, 
through fear, favour or affection. The labour in the line of com- 
munication fell mostly to my lot. 

First day, the 26th. I was made an example of silence 
through our meeting to-day. Nothing of particular notice occur- 
red in the course of this week. 



334 JOURNAL OF 

First day, the 3d of 5th month. I attended the funeral of our 
ancient worthy friend Jacob Underhill, of Cedar Swamp. There 
was a very large collection of Friends and neighbours assembled 
on the occasion, he being very generally beloved and esteemed by 
his acquaintance and Friends. A very solemn meeting was held 
at the meeting-house at Marti nicock, on the occasion, in which I 
was largely led forth in ministry and doctrine, so that many hearts 
were contrited, to the general satisfaction and edification of the 
assembly, and to the peace of my own mind. 

In the afternoon I had an appointed meeting at the house of 
Amos Cheshire, about four miles easterly from our village. 
Through divine favour it was made an instructive, profitable 
season, in which truth was exalted over all opposition. 

Fifth day. I attended the funeral of my kinswoman the widow 
Sarah Albertson. A solemn meeting was held on the occasion, 
at Friends' meeting-house at Westbury, in which I had good ser- 
vice. I was led to open in a clear manner, the superiour excel- 
lence of the divine principle of light and truth, borne testimony 
to by the society ever since we have been a people, and showing 
that, where that is wanting, or is not given heed to, every thing- 
else will and must fail of effecting the great work of our salvation, 
as no other means are adequate to that end. It was a season of 
favour, in which I was largely opened to declare of the things 
concerning the kingdom of heaven, and to open to the people 
many truths of the gospel, in the demonstration of the spirit, 
accompanied with power ; which solemnized and tendered many 
minds. Surely it was the Lord's doing, and to him belongs all 
the praise : nothing due to man* 

First day, the 10th. A hard trying meeting, mostly silent. 

Fifth day. Had the acceptable company of our friend Mary 
Naftel, from England. She laboured in the ability afforded for 
our help and encouragement, which honest travail does not 
fail of meeting its own reward, true peace of mind, the richest 
treasure. 

First day, the 17th. Silent in our meeting to-day. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which we had 
the company of our esteemed friend Phebe Field from Sciph. 



ELIAS HICKS. 335 

Her company, together with her lively, simple, plain testimony, 
corresponding with our profession^ were truly acceptable and 
refreshing. 

Seventh day, the 23d. I left home early in the morning in 
order to attend our yearly meeting, accompanied by my wife and 
daughter Elizabeth. We arrived in New- York in time to attend 
the first sitting of the meeting of Ministers and Elders, which 
opened at the tenth hour. The meeting for discipline opened the 
following second day at ten o'clock, and closed on fifth day eve- 
ning. It was shorter as to time than usual ; but I think, in the 
main, it was a favoured meeting, and closed well, under an hum- 
bling sense of divine condescension and regard, and Friends sepa- 
rated to their several homes, under a feeling sense of brotherly love. 

First day, the 31st. Attended our meeting in silence, and in 
much poverty of spirit, and although we had the company of a 
Friend who was travelling in the ministry, and who appeared 
pretty large in testimony ; yet it seemed void of life to me, which 
I was willing to conclude was my own fault. We had another 
meeting appointed at the fourth hour in the afternoon, by two 
women Friends from West Jersey. This was also a meeting of 
exercise to me, without laying any thing to the charge of my 
friends. 

Fifth day. A silent meeting. The rest of the week labori- 
ously exercised in my temporal concerns. Oh how killing too 
much bodily labour is to our best spiritual life, and although it 
may be no more than is our duty to do, in order comfortably to 
accommodate our families, and the timely payment of our just 
debts, and the punctual performance of all our contracts, yet even 
then divine wisdom has so wisely ordered the events of things, as 
to impress caution on our minds, by not suffering us to reap much 
spiritual content or inward enjoyment from bodily exercise, or 
worldly care, lest as man is naturally prone to seek earthly things, 
he might become so swallowed up in his temporal enjoyments, as 
to neglect the one thing needful, that of laying up treasure in 
heaven. 

First day, the 7th of 6th month. We had a large meeting 
to-day, and having been made an example of silence for a number 



336 JOURNAL OF 

of meeting days past, I also looked for the same at this time, till 
nearly half the time of our meeting was expired. I sat clothed 
in darkness, a darkness which could be felt ; but after wrestling 
for about an hour a gleam of light sprang up, and a prospect 
revived, which had presented at the opening of the meeting, and 
enlarged with increasing weight until it led to communication. 
In the course thereof, the original state of man was considered, 
and presented to the view of the audience ; and the state of rec- 
titude in which he was placed by his gracious Creator - also the 
way shown, by and through which he fell, in a way clearly to 
discharge and exculpate the all-equitable and perfect Jehovah 
from any blame, as having any part or hand in man's fall and 
ruin* and placing it wholly on his own turpitude, by making a 
wrong use of his liberty, and by making his election to evil instead 
of good, when both lay open before him, at his own choice. 
Therefore, if he would pursue evil instead of good, he had none 
to l)lame but himself: the Lord would be clear, and his faithful 
servants would be clear ; his blood will be upon his own head. 

Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting. My exercise 
and testimony led to show the excellency and necessity of silence 
to man, in all his attempts to approach the divine Being in solemn 
spiritual worship ; not only the body but also the mind must be 
silenced, according to that saying of the prophet, " Be still and 
know that I am God ;" with which the testimony of Christ well 
agrees, where he assures his disciples, " That he is the vine, and 
they are the branches ; and except the branch abide in the vine 
it withereth," and that "without him they can do nothing." As 
it is the sap from the vine that can only quicken and vivify the 
branch ; so nothing short of the will, life and power of the Crea- 
tor, spiritually dispensed to the creature, can enable him to perform 
worship in spirit and in truth. For nothing but man's assuming 
an independent will, in opposition to the divine will, and becoming 
active therein, occasioned his fall and separation from his Maker ; 
so likewise nothing but a renunciation of that will, and a cessa- 
tion from all self-activity as an independent creature, can unite 
and restore him again, or enable him to worship in spirit and in 
truth. 



ELIAS HICKS. 



337 



First day, the 14th. Having not fully performed my contem- 
plated visit to our neighbouring" towns and villages, and way 
opening for a further procedure, I attended two appointed meet- 
ings to-day, one in the morning at Cold Spring, and the other at 
the fourth hour in the afternoon at Huntington. Both these were 
pretty full meetings, in which my exercise was laborious, but I 
had a hope they were profitable meetings to some present. I 
returned home in the evening. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which we had 
the company of a Friend from Pennsylvania. His plain lively 
testimony, together with his company and solid deportment, did 
my heart good, as it brought to my remembrance some of our 
primitive worthies. 

Sixth day. I attended the funeral of our friend Jacob Smith 
of Westbury. His death was very sudden and unexpected, 
which made it the more trying to his family. A meeting was 
held on the occasion, which was largely attended by his friends 
and the neighbouring inhabitants. The opportunity was solemn 
and instructive, and the gospel was preached in the demonstration 
of the spirit, and many hearts were humbled and contrited. 
Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. 

First day, the 21st. I proceeded again in order to accomplish 
my aforesaid visit to the neighbouring towns and villages. By 
previous notice, a meeting was appointed at Cow Harbour, about 
twelve miles to the eastward, at the fourth hour in the afternoon, 
at the house of a person by the name of Henry Scudder, which 

I was large and favoured. The five following days, I attended 
meetings appointed at the following places, viz : at Elias Smith's, 

] in the west part of Smithtown, on second day, at the fourth hour 
in the afternoon ; at the Branch on third clay, at the eleventh 
hour; at Stony Brook, on fourth day at eleven o'clock; at 
Setauket on the same day, at the fourth hour in the afternoon ; 

.1 on fifth day had one at a place called the Hopfrogs, at the fourth 
hour in the afternoon ; on sixth day at the eleventh hour, one 
near Commack, at the house of our friend Jacob Harnad, and at 
the fourth hour, had our last meeting in this town, at the house 
of Jonah Wood, at Dixhills. This is a grandson of Jonah Wood 

43 



338 



JOURNAL OF 



deceased, who resided in the same place, where I often had meet- 
ings while he was living. He was a man convinced of the prin- 
ciples of Friends, but never came forward to join the society, 
which I apprehended was a loss to himself and family. These 
meetings were all owned by the Master of our assemblies, although 
great weakness and ignorance were manifest in many who 
attended, nevertheless the Lord was graciously pleased to conde- 
scend to their low estates, and opened my mouth in doctrine suited 
to their states and conditions. I returned home on seventh day, 
with a thankful heart and a peaceful mind, the result of faithful- 
ness in the Lord's work. 

First day, the 28th. Attended our own meeting, which I sat 
the greater part in silence ; but towards the close had a short 
testimony to deliver, which was introduced by the remembrance 
of the account given by the evangelist of the pool of Bethesda, 
and our Lord's healing the impotent man who had long waited 
there to be healed, but was not ; therefore our Lord had compas- 
sion on him, and healed him. This shows how good it is to 
have a steady persevering faith and hope in the means God 
appoints for our salvation. 

Fifth day. A silent meeting. The rest of the week I was 
busily employed in the oversight of my hay harvest, and in 
assisting in getting it into the barn ; the fields having brought 
forth bountifully, which greatly enhances our obligations to the 
benevolent Giver. 

First day, the 5th of 7th month. My mind in our meeting 
to-day, was humbled under an awakened sense of my own 
imperfections, and the impoteney of our common nature. In 
this humiliated state, my mind became clothed with the spirit of 
prayer and supplication, which gave utterance vocally to present 
a petition to our heavenly Father for the continuance of his 
mercy ; and that he would increase our faith and confident 
dependance on him, as our only source of help and salvation. 

Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting. The meeting 
for worship was a lively meeting, although silent or nearly so. 
The diffusion of real friendship and brotherly love was warmly 
felt. 






elias mcka. 339 

First day, the 12th. I sat our meeting in silence, endeavour- 
ing to be edified by a communication from a young minister 
from Cowneck, which was sensible and in a good degree lively. 
How much more comfortable it is to sit under a testimony that 
comprehends good sense, and by which the understanding of the 
people is spoken to, than such as are delivered in a high sound 
of many words, and yet so unconnected, as to render it difficult to 
comprehend the subject matter the speaker really aims at ; or such 
as are delivered in a kind of prophetic strain, without power,, which 
some speakers are too apt to fall into ; so that we are sometimes 
ready to doubt their call to that highly important and dignified 
office. These often cause deep exercise and concern to the 
living baptized members. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which the 
queries were read and the usual number answered, in order to 
represent our state to the quarterly meeting. Things appeared 
well with us, if the answers given in, were a true representation 
of our state. 

First day, the 19th. I was again made an example of silence. 
In the course of this week our quarterly meeting was held. It was, 
I think, in the main a favoured season, in which divine goodness 
manifested a renewed extension of unmerited mercy to us poor, 
helpless and unworthy creatures. We had at this quarterly 
meeting the company of our esteemed friend Gerard T. Hop- 
kins from Baltimore. He appeared lively in his gift, to our mutual 
edification. 

It fell to my lot in the meeting for discipline, to revive the con- 
cern for the melioration of the condition of the Africans and their 
descendants ; not only as it respected those who are still held in 
a state of abject bondage and oppression, but also on behalf of 
those who have been set free, but who, nevertheless continue, in 
a very general manner, in a degraded and helpless state, for want 
of being placed upon the ground of equality with the rest of the 
inhabitants, as strict justice would dictate, if rightly adhered to 
by the people and government. And I am fully in the belief, 
that divine justice will not be satisfied, nor the black stain of 
shedding innocent blood and cruelly oppressing this people, 



340 JOURNAL OF 

ever be taken from the inhabitants of this land, until strict justice 
is done them, and they placed by the laws of our country, in 
the same state of equality in every respect as the rest of its 
inhabitants, and in the enjoyment of the full right of civilized 
man. This is their just and righteous due, and these privileges, 
if duly and rightly administered to them, would bring them to be 
as good and useful citizens as those of any other nation. 

I was also led to call upon my Friends to persevere in this 
noble and righteous concern, that nothing might be left undone 
on our part, in restoring strict justice and right to this deeply 
oppressed part of our fellow creatures ; not only on their account 
and for their relief, but on our own account also. For, I believe, 
we are in a very peculiar manner called upon, agreeably to our 
profession, of being led and guided by an unerring principle of 
perfect righteousness, to exalt the standard of truth and righ- 
teousness in the earth : and believing, as 1 do, that it is not in 
the power and wisdom of man to effect this, by all the coercive 
laws which can be enacted, nor by all the force of the arm of 
flesh. For nothing can destroy and put an end to sin and wick- 
edness, but a principle in man of perfect righteousness and jus- 
tice ; and this adhered to by man in so full and complete a 
manner, as to have no fellowship or communion, either immedi- 
ately or remotely, directly or indirectly, with any acts of injustice 
or oppression. Hence, I believe, that if we as a people were faith- 
ful and obedient to this first principle of our profession, we should 
be led thereby to abstain from all kinds of commerce or dealings 
in the produce of our country or elsewhere, which we had cause 
to believe originated out of, or through the medium of, the labour 
of slaves, wrung from them and sold by their tyrannical masters. 
And I am well assured that nothing short of such an exalted 
testimony to truth and righteousness will ever put a full end to 
oppression and injustice; and, I believe, He who called our worthy 
predecessors to exalt the testimony of truth in the earth, and who 
is still calling us to advocate this noble cause, is looking for this 
testimony of strict justice and righteousness at our hands. 

O, saith my soul ! that we as a people, called as we are to 
be a light to the world, might so persevere in faithfulness and 



ELIAS HICKS. ^ 341 

obedience to the teachings and inspirings of light and truth in 
our hearts, by which. we should be enabled to unite together for 
the exaltation of this noble testimony, and the increase of the 
Messiah's kingdom of truth, righteousness, and peace in the earth ; 
and which in its progression will break down and dissolve all 
the kingdoms of this world, until they become the kingdoms of 
our Lord and of his Christ, and he comes to reign whose right 
it is. 

The subject spread with unusual weight over the meeting, and 
many brethren appeared deeply affected therewith, and divers 
came forward by expression to encourage its progress, and to stimu- 
late each other therein ; so that my heart was truly gladdened 
under a sense of the prevalence of truth, which was felt to preside 
in the meeting, clearly manifesting that the concern was owned 
by the Head of the Church. 

First day, the 26th. A silent meeting to-day. Passed this 
week in much poverty of spirit, accompanied with a peaceful 
mind. Sat our fifth day meeting in solemn silence. 

First day, the 2d of 8th month. Feeling my mind disposed 
to sit with Friends in their meeting at Bethpage, I went thither 
to-day accompanied by my wife. Although my mind felt rather 
depressed from a sense of the low state of things among them, 
yet I was led to communicate some plain things ; showing that 
true religion did not consist in going to meetings and making a 
profession of it, but in works of real righteousness, and in a 
strict and daily conformity and submission to the cross, and a 
steady obedience to the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, 
which only can set free from the law of sin and death. 

Fifth day. A silent meeting on my part. The rest of the 
week I was taken up in temporal matters, having workmen of 
various kinds to overlook and assist, even at times to a degree of 
wearisomeness ; insomuch that was it not from the calls of neces- 
sity and duty, I should endeavour to quit them all and be free 
from their cumber and interruption ; as they do often interfere 
with better concerns, and those of a higher and more excellent 
nature. 

First day, the 9th. A silent meeting 



342 JOURNAL 6P 

Fifth day. Was our preparative meeting. Silence was my 
lot in the meeting for worship. 

First day, the 16th. Our meeting was larger than usual by 
the attendance of strangers, who did not usually attend. Very 
soon after taking my seat, my mind was impressed with a view 
of the baneful tendency of pride, and its hurtful effects on the 
children of men universally. The prospect led to communica- 
tion, and opened into a pretty full testimony, tendering and hum- 
bling many minds. May it fasten as a nail in a sure place, that 
so it may continue in remembrance for many days and bring 
forth fruit, is my fervent prayer. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. In the meeting 
for worship I renewed the example to silence. 

First day, the 23d. In the course of our meeting, my mind 
was led into a view of the necessity of the cross, consistent with 
that saying of the lip of truth : " If any man will come after me, 
let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." The 
subject spread and led to the necessity of communication, in 
which the way and work, and its effect upon the man of sin or self, 
was opened ; showing that when the cross is submitted to and 
borne, the transgressing nature in us is reduced and subjected 
by the operation of its power, through which true liberty is 
known, and the captive soul set free, and made to rejoice on the 
banks of deliverance. 

Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence. In the after- 
noon attended the funeral of a man inclined to Friends, at which 
there was a large collection of people of various professions. My 
mouth was opened to testify among them of the things concern- 
ing the kingdom of heaven, and to open the way of life and 
salvation to the people, and the only means by which it ever was 
or can be effected, viz : by the grace of God or light of truth, 
revealed in the hearts and consciences of men and women, as a 
swift witness against all manner of sin and iniquity. Life sprang 
up and the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the 
spirit, wherewith many were a fleeted and edified. 

First day, the 30th. The consideration of the great advan- 
tages which would result to the children of men, were they pos- 



ELI AS HICKS. 343 

sessed of right ideas, and a right understanding of the divine 
character opened to an exercise and concern, from an impressive 
belief that there was a great shortness in that respect, even among 
professing Christians in a general way; and a great want of a 
right improvement of the talent or talents dispensed by our gra- 
cious Creator to his creature man, or that manifestation of the 
spirit given to every man to profit withal. For this, if rightly 
improved, would bring us to know and witness the true and 
saving knowledge of God, and give us right ideas of the divine 
character; and by which, if rightly adhered to, our salvation 
would be effected. I was led to communicate on the subject, 
which brought a very comfortable solemnity over the meeting. 

Fifth day, the 3d of 9th month. A silent meeting to-day. 

First day, the 6th. Having for some days past felt drawings 
on my mind to attend Friends' meeting at Westbury, and way 
opening for it to-day, I went thither accompanied by my wife. 
It was rather a trying exercising season in the forepart, but towards 
the close my spirit was set at liberty, and an opening presented, 
attended with life ; in which I was led to open and show to those 
present, the necessity of an entire renunciation of self, in order to 
come to a saving knowledge of God, and a qualification to wor- 
ship him in spirit and in truth ; and of an entire cessation from all 
our own willings and runnings, both in body and spirit and in 
thought. Although this is an attainment which man cannot arrive 
at by the dint of his own sufficiency, yet, nevertheless he may, 
by a right faith in God and in the sufficiency of his power. 
Therefore we ought not to let in discouragement from a sense 
of our own impotent state, but continue to strive to enter in at 
the straight gate of self-abasement and renunciation, and perse- 
vere therein, leaving the rest to the Lord ; and then, no doubt, 
we may be brought to the experience of one formerly who exclaim- 
ed: "Thou wilt ordain peace for us, for thou also hast wrought 
all our works in us." 

Fifth day. Attended our meeting as usual when at home. I 
was much cumbered in the forepart of the meeting with unprofita- 
ble thoughts, such as relate to our temporal concerns. For these 
produce poverty of spirit in religious meetings, and ought to be 



344 JOURNAL OF 

strove against in order to obtain a release from them : and, although 
it is what we cannot do in our own time and strength, yet as we 
continue to strive and do not give over the struggle, but persevere 
in faith and patience to obtain the blessing, as Jacob did when 
he wrestled with the angel, we shall witness an overcoming in 
the Lord's time and strength, and know our light to rise out of 
obscurity, and our darkness to be as noonday. Then are we 
qualified to worship the Father in spirit and in truth, in the 
beauty of holiness, and nothing can hinder or let. Then can 
we do the Lord's work with a willing heart agreeably to his will, 
without the fear or favour of mortals. We can then minister, if 
called thereto, in the demonstration of the spirit, accompanied 
with power, which causes it to be instructive and edifying to the 
hearers. 

First day, the 13th. My mind, as I sat in our meeting to-day, 
was led under exercise from the remembrance of the following 
passage of Isaiah : '■" Look unto me and be ye saved, all ye ends 
of the earth ; for I am God, and there is none else." I was 
largely opened on the subject, and as I communicated, truth was 
raised into dominion ; whereby the minds of many were hum- 
bled and contrited, the meeting generally solemnized and edified, 
and sweet peace afforded me in the labour. 

Fifth day. This was the time of our monthly meeting. We 
had the company of our friend William Rickman from England, 
now on a religious visit in this country. Having felt my mind 
drawn for some considerable time past, to make a visit in the love 
of the gospel, to Friends in the compass of our yearly meeting, 
with a view also to appoint some meetings among those of other 
persuasions, it appeared right to spread the concern before my 
Friends at this time; who, after due consideration, united with 
me therein, and directed the clerk to furnish me with a minute 
of concurrence with my prospect, leaving me at liberty to pursue 
it as truth might open the way. 

Fifth day, the 24th. A quiet silent meeting. On seventh day 
I attended the funeral of a young Friend, a kinsman, who, for 
more than a year previous to his dissolution, hail been in a 
declining state of health. There was a large collection of Friends 



ELIAS HICKS. 345 

and neighbours on the occasion. The corpse was taken into 
the meeting-house, and a meeting held before it was interred, 
which is mostly the case among Friends in this part of the 
society. It proved a very exercising season in the forepart, 
and although divers ministers were present, yet all seemed shut 
from any communication, until the meeting seemed drawing to 
a conclusion, when my mind was set at liberty from its bonds, 
and a degree of light arose and dispelled the darkness, in which 
I was led to open the cause and ground of the prevailing dark- 
ness which had been so generally spread over us; and to 
show that it was owing to the people's living too much to self, 
and serving self, when they ought more faithfully to serve the 
Lord and live unto him. I was led, in a brief way, in a close, 
searching testimony, which I hope will have its use, at least with 
some present. 

First day, the 27th. In our meeting to-day, my mind was 
largely opened into the substance of things referred to by the 
shadows and symbols of the law, or outward dispensation. As 
the prospect spread and enlarged, I found it necessary to spread it 
before the assembly, and to show the difference between the law 
state and that of the gospel, and that as the shadows and symbols 
of the outward law dispensation, stood and consisted in real essen- 
tial and substantial things, suited to our outward nature and life ; 
so likewise the substance of those shadows, as they were intended 
to point to spiritual things, must also consist in real, essential and 
substantial things, suited to our inward and spiritual nature and 
life, and therefore of course all the shadows of the law are at an 
end, where the gospel state is known and experienced. It was a 
season of favour, and renewedly strengthening to my mind, and 
I believe, instructive and edifying to many present. Thanks be 
given to Israel's Shepherd, for his continued mercy. 

Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, at which the 
queries were read, and answers given to the usual five, to go 
to the quarterly meeting ; and I thought, from the tenour of the 
answers, if correct, we were a favoured people. 

First day, the 11th. Our meeting was large, in which the gos- 
pel axe was laid close to the root of the corrupt tree ; showing that 

44 



346 JOURNAL OF 

every tree which did not bring forth good fruit must be hewn 
down, let it have ever so specious an outward appearance. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which answers 
to the queries were produced from the preparative meetings. 
Although I feared the answers from our preparative meeting made 
us appear more correct than we really were> yet those from the 
other branch of the monthly meeting were still more perfect, and 
although I felt some doubting, yet a degree of gladness attended 
in a hope that we were improving. 

After this meeting, nothing in particular transpired, until I pro- 
ceeded on my intended journey, which was on the 21st of 10th 
month, 1818, and fourth day of the week. Samuel Willis, a 
member of our meeting, and an elder, joined me as a companion. 
We proceeded to Flushing, in order to attend our quarterly meet- 
ing, which opened with a meeting of Ministers and Elders at the 
tenth hour. The next day was the "meeting for discipline, and 
the day following a public meeting for worship. Through the 
condescending goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, the several 
seasons were truly comfortable, instructive and edifying, in which 
the power of truth was exalted over all opposition, to the praise 
of Him who is calling us to glory and virtue. 

From Flushing we proceeded to Newtown, on sixth day after- 
noon, and attended a public meeting in the evening, of those 
belonging to other societies. 

The next day ive had an appointed meeting in Friends' meet- 
ing-house at the Kilns, and another in the evening at Brooklyn, 
generally composed of those not in membership with us, and 
many not in strict fellowship with any religious society. And we 
had thankfully to acknowledge, that He who opens and none can 
shut, was graciously near for our help, and opened doctrine suited 
to the states of those who attended in the several opportunities, to 
the peace and comfort of my own mind, and, I trust, to the 
instruction and edification of the people. 

From thence we proceeded to New- York, and attended the 
meetings in the city, on first day. They were large : many not 
in profession with us came in, as previous information had been 
given of our intention to be there. The gospel was freely 



ELIAS HICKS. 347 

preached among them in both opportunities, particularly that at 
Pearl-street, wherein truth was raised into dominion over all. 

On second day we attended a meeting by appointment at West- 
Chester, which was also a precious edifying opportunity. After 
this we proceeded to Purchase, in order to attend the quarterly 
meeting at that place, which opened the next day at the eleventh 
hour, and continued three days. The meeting for discipline was 
well conducted, in which I was led to call upon Friends, to rally 
to our standard, the light within, which is a principle of perfect 
rectitude and justice," and if rightly attended to, will lead us to 
withdraw from all kind of conduct and commerce, which is in 
the least degree tinged with injustice and oppression. And in a 
particular manner from a commerce in, and the use of, articles 
which are the product of the labour of slaves ; the injustice of 
which was clearly opened and brought home to Friends' minds, 
showing them that nothing short of a principle of immutable jus- 
tice, which may so pervade the minds of mankind, as not to have 
any intercourse with the oppressor, in the produce of the labour 
of the oppressed, will ever be sufficient fully to suppress that 
monstrous evil, and put a final end thereto. It was a very 
solemn season. The meeting for worship was likewise favoured, 
in whicli the divine presence was witnessed for our help and 
comfort. 

The four following days we attended meetings at North Castle, 
Salem, Oblong. and the Branch. These were all large for the 
places, and favoured with the overshadowing of heavenly regard, 
in which ability was received to preach the gospel, in the demon- 
stration of the spirit, and wisdom afforded to divide the word to 
the different states of those present. Each meeting was com- 
posed of a variety of professions and conditions ; and such was 
the gracious condescension of the Shepherd of Israel, as not to 
send any away empty, if they were willing to receive the portion 
iustly allotted them ; and if they refuse, because it is. not agreeable 
to their own inclinations, the Lord will be clear, and ins faithful 
servants will be clear ; and if they are not saved, their blood will 
be upon their own heads. These several seasons were comforta- 
ble and encouraging to the honest-hearted, and strengthening to 



348 JOURNAL OF 

my exercised mind ; a sense of which filled my heart with grati- 
tude and thanksgiving. to the blessed Author of all our mercies. 

After these meetings we proceeded to Nine Partners. On third 
day, the 3d of 11th month, their quarterly meeting came on. 
The meeting of Ministers and Elders opened at the tenth hour, 
and the meeting for discipline the next day. These were both 
profitable instructive meetings to many present, in which way 
opened fully to relieve my own mind ; and I felt sweet peace in 
my labours of love among them. 

The three following days we attended the quarterly meeting at 
Stanford. I had but little active service in the meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders, yet I found it my place to remind Friends of the 
danger and bad effects of covering or hiding, and of the advantage 
of laying ourselves open to the just witness, and of entering into 
an individual investigation, when answering the queries, lest we 
overlook some things even in ourselves, and so make our answers 
more clear than truth and equity will warrant. And when the 
answers to the queries came to be read, I thought there was occa- 
sion for the caution, as their answers were generally full and 
clear. 

In the meeting for discipline, I was led to call Friends' atten- 
tion to the fundamental principle of our profession ; and to show 
the drift and design of those precious testimonies, as good fruit 
naturally emanated from a good tree : especially those two, the 
most noble and dignified, viz : against war and slavery. And 
whether while we were actively paying taxes to civil government 
for the purpuse of promoting war or warlike purposes in any 
degree, we were not balking our testimony in that respect ; and 
pulling down with one hand, what we are pretending to build 
with the other. And in like maimer with regard to slavery. For 
although we had freed our own hands from holding, by active 
force, any of this oppressed people, the Africans and their descend- 
ants, in unconditional slavery ; yet, whether so long as we volun- 
tarily and of choice, are engaged in a commerce in, and the free 
use of the fruits of their labour, wrested from them by the iron 
hand of oppression, through the medium of their cruel and unjust 
masters, we are not accessary thereto, and are partakers in the 



ELIAS HICKS. 



349 



unrighteous traffic of dealing in our fellow creatures, and in a 
great measure lay waste our testimony against slavery and 
oppression. These subjects were largely opened, and the incon- 
sistency of such conduct placed before the minds of Friends ; 
accompanied with strong desires, that they might have their 
proper effect, in convincing them of the unrighteousness of such 
conduct. 

The meeting for worship, or closing meeting, was mostly made 
up of such as were not members. It was a favoured, solemn 
meeting, and, I trust, instructive and comfortable to many pre- 
sent ; as it was to the satisfaction and peace of my own mind. 

First day, the 8th of 11th month. We returned and attended 
the meeting at Nine Partners. As notice was given of our inten- 
tion of attending it, it was very large ; the house was filled with 
a mixed company of various professions, besides Friends. I was 
largely led forth among them, to declare of the things concerning 
the kingdom of God. Truth was raised into dominion, and 
a precious solemnity spread over the assembly. May all the 
praise be ascribed to the Shepherd of Israel, for the unmerited 
favour. 

In the course of this week, after resting on second and third 
days, in which time I visited some of my relatives, we attended 
meetings at Chestnut Ridge, Apoquague, Beekman, and Oswego. 
These meetings were generally well attended, and were, I trust, 
profitable and instructive to many who attended them. 

First day, the 15th. I attended West Branch meeting in the 
morning, and that at Pleasant Valley in the evening. They 
were both very crowded gatherings. At the latter meeting, there 
were many more than the house could contain, composed, princi- 
pally of such as were not in membership with Friends, being of 
the varied religious professions common among us ; and many 
who were not in strict fellowship with any. At such seasons, 
where, of course, there must be a great variety of states and con- 
ditions, I have found it necessary to dwell deep, and wait patiently 
for the arising of the pure spring of gospel ministry, which alone 
can enable and qualify to divide the word aright, so that each 
may have his due portion, and be spoken to in his own language ; 



350 JOURNAL OF 

a language which sets home the truth to every mind, as was the 
case on the day of Pentecost. 

On second day evening, we had a very large meeting in 
Poughkeepsie. It was held in their court-house, which was a 
very commodious room for the purpose, being well seated, and was 
thought sufficient to hold nearly a thousand people. It was much 
crowded, and proved a very solemn, quiet opportunity, in which 
truth had the dominion. 

The five succeeding days, we attended a large meeting by 
appointment at Crumelbow, the monthly meetings of Oswego, 
Nine Partners, Creek, and Stanford. In all these meetings I 
had good service ; the several opportunities being favoured with 
the overshadowings of heavenly regard. 

First day, the 22d. p We had a very crowded meeting at 
Little Nine Partners. The next day we were at an appointed 
meeting, in Friends' meeting-house, in the town of Northeast, 
which was likewise a very full meeting. In both of these the 
gospel was freely preached, and its doctrines largely opened, 
and set home to the minds of the people ; and the fallacy and 
and emptiness of all formal and ceremonial religion exposed, and 
the people pressingly invited to gather inward, to the immutable 
principle of light and truth in their own souls, as the sure rock 
of ages, and the only means whereby we can be enabled to 
work out our salvation. The Lord's power was felt eminently 
to preside in those solemn assemblies, to the praise of his great 
and excellent name, who is over all worthy for ever ; and I parted 
with them in true peace of mind, the sure result of faithfulness. 

On third day we rode to Canaan, a town in Connecticut, and 
the next day had an appointed meeting there, with the few 
Friends at that place, and some of their neighbours. It was a 
comfortable, instructive season. The following day we had 
another meeting by appointment, in an adjacent neighbourhood 
which was held in a school-house. This was also a favoured 
meeting. Divers present were much broken and contrited, and 
truth reigned over all. 

On sixth day we proceeded to Hartford, and on seventh day 
evening had an appointed meeting in the city. It was held in a 



ELIAS HICKS. 351 

meeting-house, belonging to the Presbyterians ; as there were 
only two or three members of our society in the place. The 
meeting was small, occasioned, as I supposed, by the inclemency 
of the weather, and want of proper notice ; nevertheless the divine 
presence was felt to preside, and truth was declared among them 
in the demonstration of the spirit ; and I parted with them, under 
a thankful sense of the Lord's mercy. 

The next day, being the first of the week, we attended Friends' 
meeting at West Hartford. This was likewise very small, Friends 
being but few in number in that place, and those mostly appeared 
in a lukewarm state ; and I apprehended they had taken but little 
care to inform their neighbours' of our intention to be there, al- 
though we had seasonably requested them so to do. Such conduct 
manifests great insensibility, and want of regard for their friends 
who have left all their outward enjoyments, for the promotion of 
the gospel, and the religious improvement of the people ; and are 
going up and down in travail and labour, as with their lives in 
their hands, as truth leads the way ; and yet, Friends whom 
they visit in some places, either think it too much trouble, or are 
so unconcerned as to take little or no care to give their neighbours 
notice ; a sense of which caused me to take leave of my Friends 
at this place with a heavy heart. 

From thence, on second day, we proceeded to Woodbury, and 
put up at the house of a person of the Methodist society, where 
we had a large meeting the next evening with the neighbouring 
inhabitants, composed of Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians 
and some others, not in strict fellowship with any religious 
society. It was a very solemn, favoured meeting, in which the 
Lord's presence and power were felt eminently to preside ; and 
many hearts were broken and contrited, and manifested much 
satisfaction with the opportunity, especially the man at whose 
house we were, who in much brokenness of spirit, and with gra- 
titude and thankfulness of heart, acknowledged. the favour. 
! The next morning, after a tendering opportunity in the family, 
we took leave of them in mutual affection, and rode to Middlesex, 
upwards of forty miles. Here we lodged with our kind friend 
Samuel Whiting, who, with his affectionate wife and children, 



352 JOURNAL OF 

received us with marks of true friendship, which is a brook by 
the way to the weary traveller ; and which was our case at this 
time. What added further to our comfort, was the readiness of 
mind and concern they manifested, in giving their neighbours 
information of our intention to attend their meeting the next 
day, which we accordingly did. The Lord graciously conde- 
scended to open my mouth among them, in a living, powerful 
testimony to the truths of the gospel. It was a season of great 
favour. May the word preached not return void, but accomplish 
that to which it was sent, is the fervent desire of my spirit. 

After this solemn meeting we proceeded on our journey, and 
rode that afternoon to our friend Charles Field's, at a place called 
the Saw Pitts. Here we had a meeting the next day at the 
eleventh hour. There is but one family of Friends in this vil- 
lage, the Friend and his family above named, and one other 
member. The inhabitants consist of the various professions 
common among us, and some others not in communion with 
any religious society. A considerable number assembled, with 
whom we had a very solemn instructive opportunity, to the com- 
fort and peace of my own mind. 

The evening of the next day, we had a precious favoured 
meeting at Manhattanville On New- York Island, with Friends 
of that place. It was attended by a considerable number of the 
neighbouring inhabitants, who conducted themselves very soberly, 
suiting the occasion. Many hearts were broken and contrited, 
and we parted with them under an humbling sense of the Lord's 
goodness, and with grateful hearts for the unmerited favour. 

First day, the 6th of 12th month. We rode to the city. As 
Friends of the monthly meeting there had recently opened a 
new meeting in the eastern part of the town, we attended it both 
forenoon and afternoon. And as notice was given at the close 
of the forenoon meeting of our intention to attend in the after- 
noon, it was a full meeting, more than the house could well 
contain. These were both memorable meetings, in which the 
Lord's presence and power were manifested in an eminent degree, 
breaking and contriting many hearts, and truth reigned over all. 
It was the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes, that he 



ELIAS HICKS. 353 

should thus condescend, in matchless mercy, to notice us poor 
unworthy creatures. 

At evening, we had a very large meeting by appointment, in 
Friends' meeting-house in Pearl-street. Although I was much 
worn down by arduous labour in the three foregoing meetings, yet 
I was strengthened to communicate in this, in a full plain testi- 
mony, opening to the people the danger and disadvantage of 
resting in the forms and empty shadows of the law state ; and 
continuing in the traditions and ceremonies introduced into the 
professed Christian Churches, in the time of the apostacy from 
primitive simplicity ; and the hurtful tendency of observing days 
and times, like the carnally-minded in the Galatian Church ; for 
which they were sharply reprehended by the apostle Paul, in his 
epistle to that Church. The people were very quiet and attentive, 
and a precious solemnity was spread over the meeting, which 
closed in a solemn manner. Thanks be given to Israel's unslum- 
bering Shepherd for the unmerited favour. 

We tarried in town until third day, in order to attend the 
meeting for sufferings which came in the course at that time. 
We also had an appointed meeting in Liberty-street, on second 
day evening. It was pretty well attended, in which I was led 
to open to the people the way of redemption by Christ, the only 
Mediator between God and man; and the way of his working 
in man, in the accomplishment of his salvation. I also opened 
to them the emptiness of all shadows and outward ordinances, 
under the Christian dispensation ; such as water baptism, and the 
ordinance called the supper or communion; also the hurtful 
tendency of observing days and times, such as a seventh day 
sabbath, days of thanksgiving, and fast days of man's appointing. 
They were shown that all these were of Jewish or Heathenish 
original, being a part of the law dispensation, and of course ended 
with it, and therefore the continuance of them under the gospel 
dispensation was irrational, non-essential, and contrary to truth ; 
tending to keep the minds of Christian professors under the veil 
of carnal ordinances, and greatly retarded the progress of reforma- 
tion, and the advancement of real Christianity. I was led to use 
great plainness of speech, and the people sat very quiet and atten- 

45 



354 JOURNAL OF 

tive, and the word preached appeared to have free course. It 
was a highly favoured season, and the honest-hearted were made 
to rejoice, under an humbling sense of the Lord's mercy, and I 
parted with them in true peace of mind. The next day, after 
attending the meeting for sufferings, we rode home and found 
our families well, which I considered as an additional favour 
from my heavenly Father, whose mercy is over all his works. 

I was from home at this time about forty-nine days, and 
attended forty-nine meetings, and travelled about four hundred 
and fifty miles. 



ELIAS HICKS. 



355 



CHAPTER XV. 

General visit to Friends of the yearly meeting of New- York, 1819. 

I continued at and about home, until the commencement of 
the year 1819, attending our meetings as they came in course. 
I also attended two funerals, at which I had good service ; and 
the meeting at Westbury, on a first day, in which I was led to 
open to Friends the three principal requisites to the being, and 
well-being, of a Christian. The first being a real belief in God 
and Christ, as one undivided essence, known and believed in, 
inwardly and spiritually. The second, a complete passive 
obedience and submission to the divine will and power inwardly 
and spiritually manifested ; which, when known, brings to the 
Christian state, through a crucifixion of the old man, with all his 
ungodly deeds. The third, in order for the preservation and well- 
being of a Christian, it is necessary that they often meet and 
assemble together, for the promotion of love and good works, and 
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. For this purpose 
the Lord's people and children have been led by his spirit to 
appoint times and seasons in which to present themselves before 
him. Of these times, all being apprized, and living within a 
reasonable distance of the place so appointed, it becomes their 
bounden duty to attend, in order to wait upon, and thereby 
become qualified to worship God, in spirit and in truth ; and no 
temporal concern of the greatest magnitude ought to be consi- 
dered as a sufficient excuse for omitting this great and necessary 
duty. For the experience of many ages has shown, that those 
who suffer their temporal business to divert them from a steady 
attendance on their religious meetings, never make any real profi- 
ciency in religion, or the true spiritual life. The communication 



356 JOURNAL OF 

was impressive, and reached the witness in many minds, and truth 
was exalted, and the honest-hearted comforted, and I was made 
glad in believing that my labour had not been in vain. Such 
seasons are truly worthy of grateful remembrance. 

As, on my return home, I did not feel myself released from a 
further prosecution of my concern, and visit to Friends of our 
yearly meeting, with the concurrence of my friends, I retained 
the minute I had received for that purpose, and on the 2d of 1st 
month, 1819, I again left home, and proceeded in the engage- 
ment. My son-in-law Valentine Hicks joined me as companion 
in the journey. We proceeded to New- York ; and, the next day 
being the first of the week, we attended Friends' meeting at 
Pearl-street in the morning. After this, in the afternoon, we pro- 
ceeded on our journey as far as our friend Thomas Walker's, at 
West Farms, near West Chester, where we had a meeting, at 
the sixth hour in the evening. On second day, we had an 
appointed meeting at Mamaroneck. These meetings were in a 
good degree favoured, in which the presence and love of. our 
heavenly Father were felt to preside. 

On third day we had another opportunity, by appointment, at 
White Plains, in the court-house. It was rather a season of hard 
labour, as the truths communicated did not appear to have free 
course, in any general way ; but, I trust, some were instructed 
and edified. On fourth and fifth days, we attended Friends' 
meetings at Purchase, and Shapaqua. As notice was given of 
our intention to attend them, they were large ; and through 
divine condescension, they proved seasons of favour, in which the 
truths of the gospel were largely declared in the demonstration of 
the spirit, to the edification of the assemblies, and peace of my 
own mind. 

The two following days we attended meetings at Croton Val- 
ley, and Amawalk. They were well attended by Friends, and 
some others. I was led to open among them many essential doc- 
trines of the Christian religion ; and to show to the people, in the 
openings of truth, the way and means by which, and by which 
only, our redemption and salvation can be effected. The testi- 
monies had a very reaching' effect Upon the auditories ; many 



ELIAS HICKS. 357 

present were much broken and eontrited, and truth was raised 
into victory, and a precious solemnity was spread over the meet- 
ings, to the comfort and edification of the honest-hearted, which 
was cause of thankfulness and gratitude to the beneficent Author 
of all our mercies. 

First day the 10th. We attended Friends' meeting at Croton 
in the morning, and at Peekskill in the evening. Both were full 
meetings, in which the power of the^ gospel was felt to preside, 
furnishing with wisdom and strength to divide the word, to the 
several states present, in a way which seemed to give each his 
due portion, and none sent empty away, but those who refused to 
take their own part. Many hearts were broken and eontrited, 
and the honest-hearted comforted ; and the Lord's name and 
power praised and exalted over all, who is worthy for ever. 

On second day we rode to Nine Partners ; and on third day 
evening had an appointed meeting at Dover. It was held in a 
pretty large school-house, there being no other place so convenient 
in the neighbourhood ; but it was too small to contain the people 
who assembled, some being obliged to stand without, for want of 
room. It was a very solemn, instructive meeting. 

On fourth day we attended Pleasant Valley meeting; and 
notice being given of our expectation to attend it, the meeting 
was large. A considerable number of other societies were present 
who behaved soberly, consistent with the occasion. It was a 
season of great favour, under a sense of which the honest- hearted 
were made to rejoice. 

After this, we proceeded to Poughkeepsie, and attended an 
appointed meeting in the evening, at the sixth hour. It was held 
in their court-house, a large convenient room, but not sufficient 
to contain the people who assembled ; many were obliged to 
withdraw for want of room. It proved, through the condescend- 
ing goodness of our heavenly Father, a blessed meeting to myself, 
and, we had cause to believe, to the assembly in general. Thanks 
be to God for his unspeakable gift : yet we have reason to believe 
there were some present watching for evil, as carpers and oppo- 
sers, if we may judge from the conduct of the hireling priests, 
since I was there a few weeks before, as I was informed at this 



358 JOtRNAL OF 

time, that they had joined together to calumniate me, an endea- 
vour to lay waste the testimony I then had to bear. We tarried 
here most of the next day, visiting some of our friends. 

On sixth day we proceeded to Hudson, where we arrived at 
evening. The following evening, we had an appointed meeting 
in the town of Claverack, about four miles distant from Hudson. 
The inhabitants were mostly Dutch ; a considerable number 
attended, and behaved pretty soberly ; and way opened to com- 
municate divers truths of the gospel, in a clear and impressive 
manner among them, to which they paid good attention, and 
appeared to be generally well satisfied. The next day, being 
first day, we attended Friends' meeting in Hudson, and an 
appointed meeting in the evening. The latter was very large, 
more than the house could contain. These were favoured meet- 
ings, in which I was largely led forth in testimony to the truths 
of the Christian religion, setting forth, in a, clear manner, the 
ground and source from whence all true religion and true wor- 
ship have their spring and origin. A general solemnity prevailed, 
and truth was raised into dominion over all. 

On second day, we proceeded to Kinderhook, and had a meet- 
ing in the evening in a school-house, and on third day afternoon, 
we had an appointed meeting in Spencertown. These were 
both crowded meetings, mostly made up of the different societies 
common among us ; many of them were the descendants of 
the old Dutch inhabitants, not much acquainted with our cus- 
toms and order; yet they generally behaved soberly, and 
gave good attention to the testimonies borne. Many gospel 
truths were opened to their consideration, and the Lord's presence 
and power were felt to crown these solemn assemblies ; and I 
parted from them in true peace and thankfulness of heart. 

On fourth and fifth days, we attended Friends' meetings at 
Kline Kiln, and New Britain. In both of these meetings, 1 had 
good service for truth and its blessed cause, and the hurtful ten- 
dency of a dependance on forms, and outward ordinances and 
ceremonies in religion and worship, was laid open and exposed. 

On sixth day, we proceeded to Troy, where we rested on 
seventh day, and wrote, to our families. On first day. we 



ELIAS HICKS. 359 

attended Friends' meetings at Troy, both forenoon and afternoon, 
and, information being given that we were there, they were large. 
At the forenoon meeting, more assembled than the house could 
contain ; and that gracious Being, who never leaves nor forsakes 
his dependant children, whose trust is fixed on him, was near for 
our help ; and opened my heart and mouth in both meetings, to 
declare largely of the things concerning the kingdom of God, and 
to open many gospel truths to the people, and to show the fallacy 
and hurtful tendency of all ceremonial religion, which consists in 
the observance of days and times, and outward ordinances. The 
people were generally attentive ; and I found solid peace in my 
labours of love among them. 

On second day, we proceeded to Pittstown, and the next day 
had a meeting appointed there, at the eleventh hour, which was a 
large, favoured meeting. After this we proceeded to White 
Creek, and attended Friend's meeting as it came in course the 
next day ; and, information being given that we were there, it 
was largely attended. The Lord's presence was felt to preside, 
and truth was raised into victory. Oh my soul ! what wilt thou, 
or canst thou render unto the Lord, for all his benefits ; " for his 
mercies are new every morning, and great is his faithfulness." 

On fifth day we attended an appointed meeting in the town of 
Shaftsbury, on our way to Danby. In this place, none of our 
society reside, except one female member, the wife of a well-dis- 
posed man, at whose house we put up, and were very hospitably 
entertained. The meeting, although small, was attended by the 
governor of the state, and divers of the judges and magistrates. 
It was a season of favour ; many essential doctrines of the Chris- 
tian religion were opened to them, in the demonstration of truth, 
and I parted with them in thankfulness of heart, and with a 
peaceful mind ; and the next day rode to Danby. 

On seventh day, we attended an appointed meeting near a vil- 
lage called the Borough, in the east part of the town ; and on first 
day, attended Friends' meeting on the Hill. Both were fully 
attended by Friends, and the neighbouring inhabitants ; and were 
both solemn instructive seasons, in which the power of truth 
was felt to preside, enabling to preach the gospel in the demon- 



360 JOURNAL OF 

stration of the spirit, to the comfort and encouragement of the 
living, faithful few, and to the instruction and edification of the 
honest inquirers, whose faces were turned Zion-ward ; likewise 
spreading caution and reproof to the indolent and careless. 

On second day we proceeded towards Ferrisburg, where we 
arrived on third day afternoon, and the next day attended the 
monthly meeting at that place. The four following days, We 
attended meetings in the following order : On fifth day we had 
an appointed meeting at Monkton. It was large, and proved a 
very solemn, favoured meeting, in which the power of truth pre- 
vailed, silencing all opposition, and ran as oil, to the comfort, 
encouragement and instruction of the honest-hearted. Bless the 
Lord, O my soul, and forget not any of his benefits ! On sixth 
day we attended Friends' monthly meeting at Starksborough. 
On seventh day had an appointed meeting in a school-house, in 
the southeast part of the town, where Friends hold a small meet- 
ing ; and on first day was at Friends' meeting at Lincoln. These 
were all favoured meetings, in which I had good service for truth 
and its cause. 

On second day, we returned into the south part of Monkton, 
and had an evening meeting in a kinsman's house, by the name 
of Stephen Haight. He was convinced of the principles of 
Friends, but failed in the practical part. This proved a pretty 
exercising season, by reason of the unsettled state of some who 
attended ; especially in the silent part of the meeting : for being 
brought up and educated in the belief that, unless they are 
engaged in some bodily exercise, such as outward and vocal sing- 
ing, praying, preaching, and the like, there is no meeting ; being 
so instructed by their teachers, it is very difficult to get them 
into stillness, or into any right condition to hear. This makes 
hard work for the true gospel minister, whose labour and 
travail is to get into, and bring others into, a state of true solemn 
silence; that he may therefore become baptized into the state of 
the people, and be qualified to administer to their real conditions ; 
for otherwise preaching is vain. But as 1 continued patient in 
travail, my mouth was opened in a targe searching testimony, 
showing the fallacy and emptiness of all outward ceremonial 



ELIAS HICKS. 



361 



worship ; and that it must inevitably land all those who trust 
therein, in a state of sad disappointment, in the end. I was led 
also to open, in a clear manner to the people, the most essential 
doctrines of the Christian religion, to the information and satisfac- 
tion of the honest inquiring minds. 

The next day we returned to Ferrisburgh, in order to attend 
the quarterly meeting which opened on fourth day, with the meet- 
ing of Ministers and Elders, which I attended, and had good ser- 
vice among them. I was led to open in the life the order of 
true gospel ministry, and the necessity all are under, who are 
called to that solemn and important office, of keeping their vessels 
clean, not only from sin and every pollution of flesh and spirit, 
but also in their ministry from all the dregs or remains of former 
offerings. For if, through the strength of memory, any act upon 
former offerings, such communications tend to produce death, 
rather than life. We find, under the law, that the vessels in the 
Lord's house were not only at first made pure and holy, but when 
they were made use of in the Lord's offerings, and had been filled 
with the Lord's holy things, when that season of offering was 
over, they were then cleansed from all the remains and dregs of 
such offering, and put up in their places clean and empty. This 
also agrees with the doctrine of Christ to his apostles : " Every 
branch in me," he says, " that beareth fruit, my heavenly Father 
purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." It was, I trust, 
an instructive season, there being a number present who were 
young in the ministry. 

After this meeting we rode to Yergennes, and attended an 
appointed meeting at six in the evening. It was pretty well 
attended by the inhabitants of the town, who generally behaved 
soberly. I was led to open divers important doctrines of the gos- 
pel for their consideration, and to caution them against having 
any fellowship with, or affording any. support to the dark, and 
what I esteem, pernicious system of Free Masonry. They were 
generally attentive, and withdrew quietly. 

The two following days, we attended the quarterly meeting 
for discipline ; and the parting meeting for worship. These, I 
trust, were profitable opportunities. The latter was a highly 

46 



362 JOURNAL OF 

favoured meeting, in which truth reigned over all ; and I took 
leave of my friends in the sensible feeling of true gospel fel- 
lowship. 

We rode, that afternoon and evening, to Shoram, and lodged 
with our kind friends Zebulon and Elizabeth Frost. The next 
day at evening, had an appointed meeting there, which many of 
the neighbouring inhabitants attended. It was a solemn time, 
in which many doctrines of the Christian religion were opened 
for their instruction and consideration ; and I parted with them 
with a peaceful mind. 

The next day we rode to Granville ; and the following day 
had an appointed meeting there, at one o'clock in the afternoon. 
This was a greatly favoured opportunity, the power of truth 
breaking down and dispelling every opposite spirit, humbling 
and contriting many hearts, and comforting and strengthening 
the honest-hearted. Surely it was the Lord's doing ; a sense 
of which inspires gratitude and thankfulness of heart, for the 
unmerited favour. 

On third day we rode to Easton. On fourth and fifth days 
we attended their quarterly meeting for discipline, and public 
meeting for worship. Their meeting of Ministers and Elders 
was held on third day previous to our arrival. On sixth day we 
had an appointed meeting at Cambridge. These meetings were 
all comfortable instructive seasons, in which the doctrines of truth 
were largely opened, for the information and edification of the 
people. 

We rested on seventh day, feeling myself pretty much worn 
out with such continual and almost incessant labour in travelling 
and in meetings. On first day I again attended Easton meeting 
which was also a large favoured meeting, in which the power of 
truth was exalted. 

On second day we proceeded on our way to Queensbury, and 
attended a meeting in our way, which I had previously appointed 
at a large village called Whipple City. It was largely attended 
by the neighbouring inhabitants. There were no members of 
our society in the place. It was, I think, a favoured opportunity, 
in which I was enabled to declare the truth among them, in a 



ELIAS HICKS. 363 

large, effective testimony. Many present were humbled and con- 
trited, and I parted with them in true peace of mind. 

After this we proceeded to Q,ueensbury, where we arrived in 
the evening. The three following days we attended the quarterly 
meeting held there at this time for Saratoga and Q,ueensbury. I 
also attended two evening meetings in two neighbouring villages, 
which I had appointed for the benefit of those of other societies, 
who pretty generally attended. I think the quarterly meeting 
in general was an instructive favoured time. The two other 
meetings were exercising seasons; the minds of the people 
appeared to be very much veiled, and in a state of much igno- 
rance ; being generally too much swallowed up in worldly pur- 
suits, and self-gratifications. This makes hard work for the 
devoted traveller, who is engaged for the advancement of the 
cause of truth and righteousness in the earth. But as I waited, 
and patiently endured the baptisms necessary to be brought into 
a feeling of their real conditions, way opened to communicate 
doctrine suitable for their instruction and help ; and, although 
there did not appear much effect wrought for the present, yet I 
had reason to hope, that the labour would not be all lost ; nor 
the word return void, but would, in the end, accomplish the thing 
whereunto it was sent, and be as bread cast upon the waters to 
return after many days. My hope in this respect was strength- 
ened from the satisfaction and true peace I felt in the ardent 
labour I passed through, in these seasons of exercise. 

The quarterly meeting being over, we proceeded to Saratoga, 
and on sixth day had an appointed meeting there at two o'clock 
in the afternoon. This was a large favoured meeting, in which 
truth was raised into victory over all, and under its precious influ- 
ence the gospel was preached in the clear demonstration of the 
spirit. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. 

From thence we proceeded to Milton, and on first day, the 
28th of 2d month, we attended Friends' meeting there. It was 
largely attended by Friends and others, and through the conde- 
scending goodness of Israel's unslumbering Shepherd it proved 
an instructive edifying season. 

The five following days, we attended meetings at Greenfield, 



364 JOURNAL OF 

Galloway, Providence, Mayfield, and Northampton. Although 
things in most places, as it regards the life of religion, appeared 
rather low, and considerable rawness was apparent in many in 
that respect, yet such is the unmerited kindness of the heavenly 
Father, that he graciously condescended to break the bread, and 
caused it to be distributed to the people, in these several opportu- 
nities, so that none were sent empty away, except those who 
either neglected or refused to take the portion allotted them ; and 
my spirit was comforted, under an evident sense that I had faith- 
fully discharged my duty among them. 

From Northampton we proceeded to Newtown, and on first 
day the 7th of 3d month, we attended Friends' meeting at that 
place ; and, information being given that we were there, it was 
large. A very considerable number more assembled, than the 
house could contain, who were obliged to stand without. For 
these I felt much sympathy and concern, as the weather was very 
cold, and those without, not willing to lose the opportunity, con- 
tinued until the meeting ended, which held nearly three hours. 
But I had cause, to hope they did not go away unrewarded, as 
the season proved a very favoured one, in which the divine 
presence was felt to preside, enabling to preach the gospel of the 
grace of God to the people, in the demonstration of truth, and to 
the comfort and peace of my own mind. 

On the evenings of the two following days, I attended meetings 
by appointment, at Waterford and Troy. Both were largely 
attended by those not in membership with us. On fourth day, 
attended Friends' monthly meeting at Troy. On fifth day eve- 
ning, had a very large meeting in Albany, which was held in 
the state-house, a large, commodious room for the purpose. In 
these several meetings truth was felt to arise into dominion, and 
ability afforded to discharge myself faithfully in communication 
to the people who assembled, I trust, to their general satisfaction 
and edification ; may it instructively fasten on their minds, as a 
nail in a sure place, driven by the Master of assemblies, that so 
the word preached may tend to real profit, and not return void, 
but accomplish the end to which it was sent. 

From thence wc proceeded to Bern, within the compass of 



ELIAS HICKS. 365 

Duanesburgh quarterly meeting, where we arrived on sixth day 
evening, and lodged with our kind friend Samuel Cary, who, 
with his affectionate wife and children, treated us with great hos- 
pitality. The next evening we had an appointed meeting at a 
village about four miles distant, where no member of our society 
resides. We intended to return and attend Friends' meeting at 
Bern, on first day ; but a snow storm coming on seventh day, 
and increasing towards evening and all next day with such 
violence, that, although we got to the evening meeting, which 
was small, by reason of the storm, we were not able to return 
until the following second day, and then it was with great 
difficulty that we got along, the snow was so deep, and the 
roads drifted full. We however made the attempt to return 
on first day morning, and got on our way about half a mile, 
but could proceed no farther. We then called at a house 
on the way, a good looking mansion belonging to a professor 
among the Presbyterians. Here we tarried over first day, not 
being able to proceed. We held a little meeting there with this 
family, and three of their friends, who were with them on a visit, 
in which my mind was opened to communicate to them the 
grounds of our profession, and the doctrines of the Christian reli- 
gion, as held by us. This had a very considerable effect on the 
man's wife, so that she openly acknowledged to the truths, deli- 
vered, and assured all present that she should vindicate them, as 
certain undeniable truths, which she felt to be so, in her own 
experience. 

On the following fifth day, we attended Friends' meeting at 
Bern. The weather being again stormy and inclement, it was 
small. The roads were blocked up, so as to prevent many from 
attending. The next day we proceeded to Duanesburgh, and 
had a meeting there on seventh day, which was a large favoured 
season. On first day we attended meetings at Charlestown in the 
morning, and at Carlisle in the evening. On second day we 
proceeded to Middleburgh, and the next day had a meeting there. 
The day following, had meetings at Oakhill in the morning, and 
at Rensselaerville in the afternoon. After this we returned with 
our friend Samuel Cary to his house, who had kindly accompa- 



366 JOURNAL OP 

nied us in this little tour. I felt true peace of mind, from a con- 
sciousness that I had faithfully discharged myself in the service 
allotted me, in those several meetings, void of any influence from 
the fear or favour of man. 

On fifth day, we attended Friends' monthly meeting at Bern. 
The meeting for worship was attended by a very considerable 
number of the neighbouring inhabitants, not in membership with 
us, who behaved themselves soberly, and were very attentive to 
what was communicated. Many were broken and contrited by 
the prevalence of truth, which was raised into dominion in this 
favoured meeting. Not only the meeting for worship, but like- 
wise that for discipline was a comfortable instructive season. 

The two following days, we had meetings at New Baltimore, 
and a village where several families of Friends reside, by the name 
of Dickenson, from whom they call the meeting " Dickenson's 
meeting ;" and at Coeman's, alias, Stanton Hill. I had good ser- 
vice in those several meetings, in which Friends appeared to be 
brought near together, in the feeling influence of the truth, and 
in the oneness of the spirit. In a sense of this, we had gratefully 
to acknowledge that the Lord is still mindful of his people, fulfil- 
ling all his promises to those who seek him with sincerity of 
heart ; and they that seek him early will find him to be near at 
hand, a present helper in every needful time. 

After the latter meeting, we proceeded to Athens ; and, the 
next day being the first of the week, and the 28th of 3d month, 
we attended Friends' meeting there in the morning, and had 
another meeting by appointment in the afternoon. These were 
exercising meetings, particularly so in the forepart of the latter. 
A great power of darkness seemed so to prevail, as entirely for a 
considerable time, to close up the way to any public service ; but 
as I patiently submitted to the baptism and willingly became bap- 
tized, with and for the dead, for it is only through death, that the, 
resurrection from death can be witnessed, a little glimmering of 
light appeared, in which 1 felt the necessity of standing up; 
and as I proceeded, keeping my eye single to the light that led 
the way, the light more and more arose, and the darkness van- 
ished •, and lie that opens and none can shut, and shuts and none 



ELIAS HICKS. 367 

but himself can open, made way for the promotion of his own 
righteous cause, and the exaltation of truth's testimonies. It was 
the Lord's doing, and marvellous in mine eyes. 

We left here on second day morning, and proceeded to Alex- 
ander Young's at the east part of Esopus, about forty miles. 
This was a day of very hard travel, both for man and horse, the 
roads being bad, -as the winter was just breaking up ; but we 
arrived safe in the evening, and were kindly received by our 
friends, which made up in part for the toil of the day. 

At this place we had an appointed meeting the next day. The 
five following days we had meetings at Rosendale Plains, Paltz, 
Plattekill, Newburgh Yalley and Marlborough. Attending these 
meetings, with the exercise of travelling on the heavy, rough roads, 
produced a large portion of exercise, both to body and mind. But 
the Lord's strengthening and consoling presence, vouchsafed from 
season to season for our help, carried us through and over all, to the 
praise of his grace, and to the comfort and peace of our own minds. 

On second day, the 5th of 4th month, we proceeded to Corn- 
wall, and attended a meeting by previous appointment, at the 
eleventh hour. The next day, had an appointed meeting at 
Smith's Clove, and the day following were at a place called the 
Upper Clove, alias Blooming Grove. In these several meetings 
I was led largely to open to the people the law state, or dispensa- 
tion of figure, as comprehensively set forth in the Old Testament, 
and to show the difference between that and the gospel, and that 
the first ends where the latter begins, and are as distinct from 
each other, as the body is from the soul. The first comprehends 
the salvation of bodies from outward servitude, the latter the sal- 
vation of the soul from sin, and the death consequent on it. I 
also set forth the use and necessity of the rituals, or shadows of 
that dispensation, during its continuance ; and that they were 
all abolished under the gospel, and have no part nor lot under 
that dispensation. I had much service in these meetings, and 
great cause of gratitude and thankfulness to the bountiful Author 
of all our multiplied favours. 

The next day, we attended Friends' meeting at Kakiat, alias 
Hempstead. We had a tedious time in getting there, the road, 



368 JOURNAL OF 

part of the way, being deep with mud and wet, and much cut up. 
But the Lord richly rewarded us for all our toil, in giving us a 
precious meeting with our friends, and a considerable number of 
the neighbouring inhabitants. It was truly a season of grateful 
remembrance, both by us and our friends ; we were made to 
rejoice together for the unmerited favour. 

After this we proceeded to Tappan, to the house of our friend 
John Lawrence. Here is not any meeting of Friends ; but feel- 
ing the way open, we appointed a meeting there at two o'clock 
next day. Although it was not large, yet, I trust, it was a com- 
fortable instructive season to some present. 

This meeting closed our visit, and the next morning we pro- 
ceeded to New- York, where we heard of the decease of my kins- 
man Benjamin Hicks, with information that he was to be interred 
the next day. 

This induced us to proceed home that afternoon, where we 
arrived between eight and nine at night, much wearied, having 
travelled in the course of the day upwards of fifty miles, and 
some of the way but indifferent travelling. Finding, however, 
our dear families well, accompanied with sweet peace of mind, 
it made rich amends for all our toil, and my heart was inspired 
with gratitude and thankfulness to the great and gracious Author 
of all our blessings. 

I was from home in this journey fourteen weeks, attended 
seventy-three meetings, three quarterly meetings, four monthly 
meetings, and travelled one thousand and eighty-four miles. 

The next day I attended the funeral of the aforesaid Friend, 
which was on first day the 11th of 4th month, 1819. It was 
largely attended by Friends and others, he being a man much 
esteemed by his friends and neighbours, and a useful member of 
society, both in a religious and moral relation, and his memory 
will be blessed. It was a very solemn time, in which my heart 
and mouth were largely opened to declare to the people of the 
things concerning the kingdom of God ; and to point out to them 
in. a full and clear manner, the only way and means by which 
an entrance therein is attainable by the children of men. It was 
a season of favour, and many hearts were made to rejoice under 



ELIAS HICKS. 369 

an humbling sense of the gracious extending of heavenly regard 
to the workmanship of His holy hand. 

After this my lot seemed similar- to MordecaPs of old, when 
sitting at the king's gate ; I had but little public service when at 
and about home. This brought to my remembrance, the saying 
of our Lord to his disciples, on their return from the service he 
he had sent them out to perform in the land of Israel. When 
they had given him an account how well they had succeeded, he 
invited them to retire awhile and rest. I was mostly silent in 
our meetings at home, and was not from home, except to attend 
a funeral in a neighbouring town, and our quarterly meeting at 
New- York, until our yearly meeting. 

This opened on seventh day, the 22d of 5th month, with a 
meeting of Ministers and Elders. The yearly meeting for dis- 
cipline opened on the following second day, and closed near eve- 
ning, on the fifth day following. It was, I think, in general, a 
favoured meeting, although the weaknesses and deficiencies still 
among us, as manifested by the accounts from our quarterly 
meetings, were cause of exercise and travail to the honest-hearted 
who are engaged for the promotion of the cause of righteousness 
and peace in the earth ; yet the condescending goodness of the 
Shepherd of Israel, in manifesting his life-giving presence for our 
encouragement and support, inspired the hearts of the living with 
thanksgiving and gratitude for his unmerited mercies. We 
returned home the next day. 

I now found it my duty to pay some attention to my temporal 
concerns, and to see that all accounts between myself and others 
were truly adjusted and settled, as is my general rule from year 
to year. A rule which every honest man will be led to pursue, 
to prevent trouble and preserve harmony ; as a contrary course 
often leads to vexation and litigation, by which both parties are 
often hurt and wounded. 

First day the 30th of 5th month. I attended our meeting as 
usual, when at home. Had a short communication, tending to 
excite Friends to faithfulness, and an inward labour, that the 
true end of our meeting together might be answered. I was 
busily employed in the course of this week, in my temporal con- 

- 47 



370 JOURNAL OP 

cerns. Attended our fifth day meeting ; and closed the week 
in quiet. 

First day, the 6th of 6th month. I was led, in our meeting, 
to show Friends the fallacy of trusting in the outside appearance 
of things, without coming to possess the real substance, as the 
day is hastening when every foundation will be tried, and all 
will receive according as their works have been. I was conside- 
rably enlarged, and the power of truth was exalted over all. 

I found it my place at this time, to keep close at home, both 
in an inward and outward sense, to arrange my temporal con- 
cerns, and set things in order ; not knowing how soon I may 
be called to leave them all, and surrender them, with myself, to 
the guardian care and disposal of a gracious Providence, who 
doth not suffer a sparrow to fall to the ground, without his hea- 
venly notice. I ■ attended our preparative meeting on fifth day, 
and the meeting of the Charity Society, for educating the chil- 
dren of the poor black people, on seventh day ; in both of which 
I felt satisfaction and peace of mind. 

First day, the 13th of 6th month. Towards the close of our 
meeting to day, I had to open to Friends the necessity of our 
individually coming to know what life we are living ; whether 
it be a life after the flesh, which worketh death to the immortal 
soul ; or a life of the spirit, by which we become spiritually- 
minded. For if we live after the flesh, it will prove in the world 
to come an eternal death to the soul ; but if it be a life in the 
spirit, and in the things of heaven, it will prove an everlasting 
life to the soul, in the world to come ; and will crown it with joy 
unspeakable, and full of glory, at God's right hand for evermore. 
From this time to our monthly meeting in 7th month, I was 
pretty steadily at home. Attended our meetings as they came 
in course ; and was very busily and necessarily engaged in my 
temporal concerns, having a prospect before me of attending 
the ensuing yearly meeting of Ohio, and also some other 
meetings in that, and in the compass of Baltimore and Phila- 
delphia yearly meeting. This concern I spread before my 
Friends, at our monthly meeting tbc 15th of 7th month; anil 
obtained their unity and concurrence. 



ELIAS HICKS. 371 

First day, the 18th of 7th month. Attended our meeting. 
We had the company of our ancient honest friend Thomas 
Titus. He communicated for our consideration, some plain 
truths, in order to stir up and encourage Friends to industry and 
faithfulness in those things which belong to their everlasting 
peace and welfare. I felt unity with him in his exercise, and 
found it my place and duty to make some addition, to bring the 
matter close home to the minds of Friends. It was a favoured 
solemn meeting, and most minds seemed well affected with the 
heavenly power which was felt to preside. 

In the course of this week our quarterly meeting was held at 
Westbury. It was well attended by Friends ; and the public 
meeting was very large. It was in the main a favoured meet- 
ing. I likewise opened to this meeting, my prospect of attending 
the yearly meeting of Ohio ; and produced the minute of unity 
and concurrence from our monthly meeting. It was fully united 
with by the quarterly meeting, and an endorsement thereof made 
on my certificate. 

First day the 25th. A silent meeting to-day. When such 
meetings are attended with full acquiescence, and entire peace of 
mind, how precious they are. Thus are the Lord's dedicated 
children led and instructed ; taught how to suffer want, and how 
to abound ; being content in every dispensation of his divine 
will and pleasure : and in this condition, all things work together 
for good to these. Hence we are led to " Rejoice evermore. 
Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks." 

The* rest of this week I was diligently employed in preparing 
for my intended journey ; and in arranging my temporal con- 
cerns, that no occasion might be given to the adversaries of truth, 
to reproach the truth, or its cause, by any neglect or omission on 
my part ; and endeavouring that all things might be left sweet 
and quiet at home, that so I might leave it with peace of mind, 
freed from every burden and care on that account ; and be fully 
at liberty to devote myself wholly to the service of my great 
and good Master, until the allotted portion is accomplished, 
which he hath called me forth to fulfil. For to him belong 



372 JOURNAL OF 

obedience and worship, who is over all, God blessed for ever 
Amen. 

First day the 1st of 8th month. At our meeting to-day, my 
mind was led into a view of the excellence and necessity of a 
right faith in God and Christ ; it being that by which the just 
live. For nothing else can qualify to live a life of true righteous- 
ness and justice, but a true and living faith in God and Christ ; 
and without this faith, it is impossibly to please God. The subject 
spread and led to communication in a large testimony, by which 
many minds were reached and comforted, and a precious solem- 
nity spread over the meeting ; and we parted from each other 
with grateful hearts for the unmerited favour. 

On fifth day I was led to call the attention of my friends to 
first principles, and to recur to the uprightness, simplicity, and 
faithfulness of our worthy predecessors, and to recount the great 
and sorrowful deviations therefrom by those who are making 
the same profession in the present day, in departing from a full 
reliance and dependance on the power and spirit that actuated 
and governed them. Hence weakness and darkness pervade 
their minds, by which great reproach is brought upon the society, 
and occasion given for many to speak evil of the truth, and the 
principle we hold out to the world, as the only sure guide to 
blessedness ; to the wounding of the faithful few, who are yet pre- 
served in a good degree of gospel simplicity, and who live under 
a daily exercise for the promotion and advancement of the Mes- 
siah's kingdom here on earth, and that it may arise and become 
the peace and glory of all nations. 



E^IAS HICKS. 3TB 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Journey to Ohio in 1819.— Visit to the neighbouring inhabitants in 1819.— Visit 
to Farmington and Duanesburgh quarterly meetings in 1820. — Visit to some 
parts of Pennsylvania, and to Baltimore, in 1822. Visit to some of the lower 
quarterly meetings in 1823. 

Having, as before noted, had it on my mind to attend the 
next yearly meeting of Friends in the state of Ohio, and some 
other meetings in going there and returning home ; and having 
obtained a minute of unity and concurrence from our monthly 
and quarterly meeting, I left home in order to accomplish the 
service, the 17th of 8th month, 1819, and proceeded to New- York. 
The next day, being first day, I attended Friends' meeting in 
Pearl-street in the morning, which proved a favoured season, in 
which I witnessed a renewal of strength, and a satisfactory evi- 
dence that my proceedure was under right direction ; for which 
my mind was reduced into a state of humble gratitude for the 
unmerited mercy ; having left my home in weakness and poverty 
of spirit, and nothing to lean on in crossing this Jordan, but 
my slender staff of faith. I attended the meeting at Liberty- 
street in the afternoon, which, although small, was in a good 
degree comfortable, and encouraging to my much exercised mind. 
As our meeting for sufferings was the succeeding third day, I 
staid in town and attended that meeting. 

After this I proceeded on my journey, accompanied by my 
kind friend and neighbour Willet Robbins, who had joined me 
as a companion in this journey. We attended the quarterly 
meeting at Rahway on our way, which opened the next day with 
the meeting of Ministers and Elders. The meeting for discipline 
was held the day after ; and a meeting for public worship, as a 
parting meeting, the succeeding day. . In these several opportu- 



374 JOURNAL OF 

nities, way opened to discharge myself faithfully in the exercise 
of gospel communication to my friends and others who attended, 
fully to the relief of my own mind, and, I trust, to the instruc- 
tion and encouragement of many who attended ; the Lord hav- 
ing been graciously pleased to manifest his presence and power 
for our help, to the glory and praise of his own excellent name, 
who is over all, God blessed for ever. 

After these solemn opportunities were closed, we took leave of 
our friends, and proceeded on our journey ; and arrived at 
Easton on seventh day evening. This is a town on the 
west side of the river Delaware, in the state of Pennsylvania. 
Having felt my mind led to pass through this town, attended 
with a concern to have a religious opportunity with the in- 
habitants, we tarried with them the next day, and had a 
meeting appointed, which was held in their school-house, at 
the fourth hour in the afternoon. It proved, through heavenly 
help, a favoured, and, I trust, an instructive season to many ; 
several of their ministers and most of the principal people attend- 
ed, and appeared all to go away satisfied ; and many apparently 
with thankful hearts for the present favour ; and I parted with 
them in true peace of mind. 

The next morning we proceeded on our journey, and rode to 
Maiden Creek, and lodged with our kind friend Isaac Penrose. 
The day following being third day, we had an appointed meet- 
ing at Reading, about eight miles farther on our way. It was 
held in their court-house. Many of the inhabitants of the town 
attended, and behaved soberly ; and the gospel was preached 
among them in the plain demonstration of truth, and, I trust, 
was as a sword or hammer to some present, who were not pre- 
pared to meet sound doctrine ; but was comfortable and instruct- 
ive to others, such as were tender in spirit, and were honestly 
seeking the way to peace. It was a solemn, and, I trust, profita- 
ble opportunity. 

After the meeting I made a short visit to a sick woman, who 
appeared to be drawing fast toward her close. She was com- 
forted in the visit, and when I parted with her, appeared in a 
(juiet resigned state of mind. Her bodily ailliclion, which had 



ELIAS HICKS- 



375 



attended her for a considerable time, had, I believe, wrought a 
good work in her. After this opportunity we proceeded imme- 
diately on our journey, which we continued the four following 
days, through a number of towns and villages, where no Friends 
live. 

We arrived on seventh day evening at Dunning's Creek, 
where there is a monthly meeting of Friends. They Me very 
much detached from the body of society ; the nearest meeting 
to them is about sixty miles distant. We attended their meet- 
ing on first day, which proved, through heavenly help, a com- 
fortable, strengthening opportunity. We lodged with our kind 
friend Thomas Penrose. 

The next morning we proceeded on our journey, having the 
Alleghany, and several other mountains and high and rough ridges 
of land to pass over, in our way to the settlements of Friends 
in the Redstone country. The roads were excessively bad, and 
in some places almost impassable ; but with two days hard travel- 
ling we got safe to Connelsville, on the west side of the moun- 
tains, on third day evening. We put up with a man by the 
name of John Gibson, who had once a right of membership in 
our society, but by some means had lost it ; yet he appeared to 
retain his love to Friends, and was very kind and benevolent, 
and appeared very glad of the opportunity of entertaining Friends. 
His family likewise appeared very kind and friendly, and signi- 
fied it as a matter of considerable regret, that they were so far 
distant from Friends, as not to have the privilege of attending 
their meetings. There was one family of Friends in the town ; 
and one of their children, an infant of about eight months old, 
had died a little before our arrival ; and the funeral being the 
next day, we attended it. It was a very solemn opportunity, in 
which many hearts were contrited by the tendering power of 
truth, which was felt to cover the assembly in a very general 
manner. Such seasons are as a brook by the way, to the poor 
exercised travellers, who often go mourning on their way, from 
a sense of the prevalence of sin and iniquity in the land. 

After this solemn opportunity we proceeded on our journey, 
and the next day attended Friends' monthly meeting at West- 



376 JOURNAL OP 

land, in Redstone quarterly meeting. I had some service, both 
in the meeting for worship, and that for discipline ; but things 
appeared rather low as to the right order of the gospel, in both 
meetings. It being a day of ease and outward tranquillity ; and 
this hath a tendency to produce mkewarmness, if not watchfully 
and diligently guarded against. 

From this place we proceeded directly to Mount Pleasant, in 
Ohio, where the yearly meeting is held ; where we arrived on 
seventh day, the 28th of 8th month. On first day, the 29th, 
attended Friends' meeting at Short Creek in the morning, and 
had an appointed meeting at Mount Pleasant in the afternoon. 
They were both largely attended, and proved very instructive 
satisfactory meetings, in which I had good service ; and found 
sweet peace as the result of my labours of love amongst them. 

The five following days, meetings were appointed for us at 
Concord, St. Clairville, Plainfield,, Flushing, and Harrisville. 
These were all full meetings ; generally more collected than the 
houses could contain ; but Friends were industrious, and provided 
seats out of doors, about the house, by which the people were 
generally accommodated. 

On seventh day the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders 
opened ; and continued by adjournments until fifth day. I 
think they were generally favoured opportunities. The Head 
of the Church graciously condescending to manifest his presence 
for the help of his devoted, dedicated children ; and this is the 
crown and diadem of all our religious assemblies. On first day 
public meetings for worship were held, both forenoon and after- 
noon, in both Friends' meeting-houses in the neighbourhood ; 
that in the town of Mount Pleasant, held in their new meeting- 
house, which is one of the largest I ever saw belonging to 
Friends, was very large. I attended that meeting both forenoon 
and afternoon, in which I had much service by way of test i 
mony; which appeared to be much to the comfort, and general 
edification of the assemblies, and resulted in the solid peace of 
my own mind. 

On second day, the yearly meeting (or discipline opened, and 
continued by adjournments until seventh day toward evening 



ELIAS HICKS. 377 

It was a season of much travail and exercise to the rightly con- 
cerned active members ; having before them, in addition to their 
usual business, the revisal of their discipline. I was led under 
close exercise on the account, and a very considerable portion of 
active service fell to my lot, with other Friends. It was thought, 
I believe, by Friends generally, to have been the most favoured 
yearly meeting they had had since its institution, and was 
worthy of grateful remembrance. 

I tarried here over first day, and attended their meeting at the 
old meeting-house. It was a season of deep travail in the fore- 
part of the meeting, in which my spirit was led into deep baptism 
with, and for, the dead ; and I was brought into sympathy and 
fellowship with the suffering seed, which appeared to me to be 
pressed down in the hearts of the formal professors, as a cart 
under sheaves. This, I believed, was too much the situation of 
a considerable number in that assembly ; but as I continued 
patiently to endure the exercise, and kept up the inward travail, 
light sprang up and dispelled the darkness, accompanied with a 
motion of life to stand up ; and my mouth was opened in a 
large searching and effective testimony, whereby the dead were 
raised, the lukewarm stirred up, the honest seekers encouraged, 
and the rightly exercised minds comforted and edified. It was 
the Lord's doing, and marvellous in mine eyes. 

The six succeeding days, meetings were appointed at the 
following places, which we attended. On second day, at a 
little village called York, where a few Friends were privileged 
with an indulged meeting ; a meeting not being established. 
On third day at Smithfield ; on fourth day at Cross Creek ; on 
fifth day at Franklin, where was also only a small indulged 
meeting. On sixth day, at Augusta, at the tenth hour in the 
morning, and at Sandy Spring, at the third hour in the after- 
noon ; on seventh day at New Garden. These were all seasons 
of favour, wherein I was strengthened to labour in the work 
of the gospel, and to declare largely to these several assemblies, 
of the things concerning the kingdom of God ; endeavouring, 
by persuasive arguments, founded in the clear demonstration 
of the spirit, accompanied with a lively evidence of divine 

48 



378 JOURNAL OP 

power to gather the minds of the people to the light of Christy 
or Christ the light, in their oion hearts; as the only sure 
guide to blessedness, and fou?idation rock on which to build 
all our hopes of redemption and salvation. A precious so- 
lemnity was felt to prevail in those several meetings, most of 
which were crowded gatherings, many more often collecting 
than their meeting-houses could contain ; and truth was exalted 
over all, to the praise of Him who is over ally God blessed for ever. 

After the latter meeting we proceeded to Salem, intending to 
be at Friends' meeting there the next day, which was first day, 
the 19th of 9th month. We attended the meeting in the fore- 
noon, but not feeling myself clear, I was led to appoint an after- 
noon meeting ; which was accordingly held at the third houE, 
and was largely attended by Friends and others ; among whom 
way opened fully to discharge and clear myself, and I found 
peace in my labour of love among them. 

On second and third days, I attended meetings by appoint- 
ment at Springfield and Goshen, two neighbouring villages. 
These were likewise very solemn instructive seasons, wherein I 
was largely led forth in ministerial labour, apparently to the 
comfort and edification of most present. From Goshen we 
returned back to Salem, intending to be at their monthly meet- 
ing to be held the next day, which we accordingly attended. I 
had good service among my Friends, both in the meeting* for 
worship and that for discipline. 

After this we took a final leave of them, in the fresh feelings 
of mutual love and Christia n fellowship, and proceeded on our 
journey that afternoon to Fairfield, where we had a meeting 
the next day. On sixth day, was at Columbiana. On seventh 
day, at Middleton. And on first day, the 26th, had two meet- 
ings ; one in the morning at Elk Run, and the other at the 
third hour in the afternoon at Carmel. These meetings were 
all well attended ; wherein I was led forth largely in testimony, 
apparently to the general satisfaction and edification of the peo- 
ple, and to the comfort and peace of my own mind. 

On second day we proceeded to New Lisbon, and attended a 
meeting in their court-house at the eleventh hour. It was a 



ELIA9 HICKS. 379 

krge collection, mostly made up of other societies, there being 
but few Friends residing in that place. I was led to open seve- 
ral doctrinal points of our profession, and to show the great 
difference between profession and possession ; and that no pro- 
fession of religion was worth esteeming as any thing, unless it 
was the effect of the real possession of the thing professed ; as 
no profession of a thing, could of itself give any a possession 
thereof; but a real possession, will manifest itself by its fruits. 
It was a day of great favour, in which truth reigned over all. 

On third day, we proceeded to Beaver Falls. Had a meeting 
there the next day to good satisfaction. After this we travelled 
on our way to Pittsburg, where we arrived the next day about 
noon, and had an appointed meeting there in the evening in 
their court-house. It was a large spacious building, but more 
collected than the house could contain. I had much service 
among them, and the Lord's power was felt to preside, quieting 
and solemnizing the assembly ; and many hearts were humbled 
and contrited, and truth raised into dominion over all. 

On sixth day afternoon, we left Pittsburg on our way to 
Brownsville, where we arrived in the afternoon of the next day. 
On first day we attended Friends' meeting there ; and notice 
being spread among the people at large that we were there, it 
was a very crowded assembly, more than the house could well 
contain. Through the condescending goodness of the Shepherd 
of Israel, I was helped to discharge myself faithfully among 
them, in an effective testimony to the truths of the gospel; 
proving from clear scripture testimony, accompanied with the 
demonstration of the spirit, in harmony with right reason, that 
nothing short of a full belief in, and obedience to, the revelation 
of the spirit of truth, (a manifestation of which is given to every 
man and woman to profit withal,) as the only rule of faith and 
practice, can make a real Christian, and produce redemption 
and salvation to an immortal soul. It was a very solemn 
instructive season, worthy of grateful remembrance. 

On second day we had an appointed meeting at Sandy Hill, 
at the tenth hour ; and another in the evening at Uniontown, 
held in their court-house. These were both seasons of favour, 



380 JOURNAL OP 

producing solid peace to my own mind, and, I trust, instructive 
and edifying to the people in general who attended. These 
meetings closed my labours among Friends and others, in the 
compass of the yearly meeting of Ohio. 

On third day we set out on our journey over the mountains, 
towards Winchester in Virginia ; in order to attend the meet- 
ings of Friends in that neighbourhood, on our way to Baltimore. 
The distance was about one hundred and sixteen miles. It 
took tHree days to accomplish the journey, with hard travelling ; 
a considerable part of the way being very rocky, as well as 
mountainous. We arrived among Friends at Pughtown, on 
fifth day evening ; and had a meeting appointed there the next 
day, at two o'clock in the afternoon, which we attended accord- 
ingly. On seventh day had a meeting at the Ridge. On first 
day at Centre, near Winchester ; and the two following days 
had meetings at Hopewell and Berkley. I was largely led forth 
in these meetings, to show to the people the inconsistency and 
unrighteousness of holding our fellow creatures in bondage, and 
the evil tendency of bringing up our children and families on 
the fruits of their labour, wrested from them by violence, with- 
out paying them an adequate reward for the same. I likewise 
opened to them the folly and deception of all their profession of 
worshipping that Being, who is perfect in justice, purity and 
holiness, while their hands are full of violence and oppression, 
and they living in luxury and idleness on their unrighteous 
gain. The Lord's power was exalted in these meetings, and 
truth reigned. 

After the latter meeting we proceeded on our way towards 
Baltimore, where we arrived on seventh day evening ; attending 
meetings at Fredericktown and New Market, on our way 
thither. On first day, the 17th of 10th month, I attended 
Friends' meetings in that city ; the Western District in the 
morning, and the Eastern District in the afternoon. 1 was 
silent in the former, but in the latter, I was largely led forth in 
gospel communication. As notice had been spread among (lie 
citizens of other professions, (lie meeting was large, and the 
divine power was felt, to preside, which brought a pnvious 



ELIAS HICKS. 381 

solemnity over the meeting, and truth was raised into domi- 
nion. 

Here we met with our friend Elizabeth Coggeshall from New- 
York, with her companion Judith Coffin, from Nantucket; also 
our ancient friend William Rickman, from England. We were 
mutually glad in seeing each other. Elizabeth felt a concern 
to see the members of our society, select from those of other 
societies in each meeting, accordingly a Friend, at her request, 
in the morning meeting when the service of the first meeting 
was over, proposed the same to the assembly ; when those who 
were not members quietly withdrew, and our dear friend had 
good service among them. This also opened an opportunity 
for me to throw in my mite, and set a seal to the service. A 
similar opportunity was likewise had with Friends at the close 
of the afternoon meeting in the Eastern District, which was 
also a favoured time. 

And as I had felt my mind somewhat similarly engaged in 
coming into the city, it opened the way to spread my exercise 
before Friends ; which was that of the more select service of 
seeing the active members and heads of families of both sexes 
together. I had an opportunity with those of this description in 
the Western District, and afterwards with those of the Eastern ; 
and was glad in believing that divine love was near, favouring 
with His enlivening, reconciling presence ; which raised a hope, 
that through the divine blessing, the opportunities would not 
prove altogether unfruitful, for some disunity and jealousies had 
prevailed among the members of society in this city. 

The next day being Friends' meeting day, I felt most easy 
to stay and attend it. I also found my mind led to some further 
service among the citizens at large : for although I had had a 
public opportunity on first day evening, which seemed for the 
present to ease my mind, yet a renewed exercise on that account 
induced a belief it would be right to give the citizens generally 
another invitation ; which Friends readily agreed to, and spread 
the notice accordingly. It was a very large meeting, and 
through gracious condescension a highly favoured season ; the 
Lord's power was felt to preside, and a precious solemnity spread 



382 JOURNAL OP 

over the assembly, and I took my leave of them in much peace 
of mind. 

This closed my service among them. The two following 
days we rode to Wilmington, where we arrived on sixth day 
evening. On seventh day evening we had a large meeting by 
appointment, with Friends and the inhabitants of the town. 
This was a solemn instructive season, worthy of grateful re- 
membrance. We also attended the morning meeting of Friends 
the next day, and then proceeded to Chester, parting with my 
Friends in much sweet peace and unity. Here we had a large 
solemn meeting in the evening, among the few Friends of that 
place and the inhabitants of the town. I trust, through 
heavenly goodness, it proved an instructive edifying season to 
many. 

The two following days, I attended the monthly meetings of 
Providence and Darby. On fourth day morning we proceeded 
to Philadelphia. We staid in the city until the following third 
day, and attended all the meetings of Friends there ; some by 
appointment, and the others as they came in course. We were 
at two of their monthly meetings, and their quarterly meeting. 
The meetings were generally crowded, and at several many of 
the people were obliged to stand outside of the doors, for want 
of room. Through unmerited mercy the Lord's power was felt 
to preside, producing a precious solemnity over those large pro- 
miscuous gatherings, and by which truth was raised into domi- 
nion. Surely it was the Lord's doing, and marvellous in mine 
eyes. It was, I trust, a time of renewed visitation to many, 
especially to the beloved youth. 

We left the city on third day morning, and proceeded to 
Germantown, where by previous appointment we had a large 
meeting at the eleventh hour. The two following days we 
attended Friends' quarterly meeting at Horsham ; and on sixth 
day, had a large public meeting at Byberry. These were all 
favoured instructive seasons, in which the Lord's presence 
was manifested for our help, and were worthy of grateful 
remembrance. 



ELIAS HICKS. 383 

On seventh day we attended a meeting at Bristol ; and at 
evening crossed the river Delaware to Burlington, and attended 
Friends' forenoon and afternoon meetings on first day. These 
were large favoured meetings, in which truth reigned. 

On second day, the 8th of 11th month we proceeded to Trenton 
and had a large meeting there in the evening, with the few 
Friends of that place, and the inhabitants of the town, in which 
divers essential doctrines of the gospel were opened to the con- 
sideration of the assembly. It was a solemn meeting, and I 
parted with them in true peace of mind, which is the certain 
and consolatory result of disinterested obedience, and faithfulness 
to manifested duty. 

We proceeded on third day, on our way to New- York, where 
we arrived the next day in season to attend Friends' meeting in 
Pearl-street ; it being their usual meeting day. The meeting 
was generally gathered when I got in, having had some 
distance to travel to reach there, which occasioned my being a 
few minutes after the tunc. My mind, soon after taking my 
seat, was brought under a renewed exercise, on account of the 
members of our society mixing in with the associations of other 
people, in their governments and politics, their Bible and 
Missionary societies, and pretended charity associations ; which 
had a very hurtful tendency, by leavening the minds of 
Friends, and leading them to assimilate with the spirit of the 
world ; and turning them away from the simplicity, of our pro- 
fession, thereby neglecting to support our Christian testimonies, 
as it regards plainness of speech, deportment, and apparel. Such 
conduct is particularly wounding to some of the beloved youth, 
for they seeing their elder brethren, and especially some who 
were sometimes active in our meetings for discipline, join with 
such associations, it leads them into a free familiarity and friend- 
ship with such as are light and vain in their conversation and 
deportment, by which their tender minds are greatly wounded ; 
and they led off from the cross, and a strict regard to that 
sobriety of conduct, which truth requires of all its professors. 
I was led to communicate largely on those subjects, in a close 
searching testimony • and the Lord's power was felt to prevail, 



384 JOURNAL OP 

and the meeting generally brought under a solemn covering. 
It proved a season of favour, and the right-minded were made 
to rejoice. 

Feeling my mind impressed with a concern to appoint a meet- 
ing for the citizens at large, the appointment was accordingly 
made at seven o'clock the ensuing evening. It was a very large 
collection, more than the house could contain ; and was a highly 
favoured season. A very precious solemnity was spread over 
the assembly in general ; and when I sat down, after standing 
nearly two hours, I turned my eyes over the congregation, and 
■JL was quiet and still, and every countenance seemed expres- 
sive of the solemnity felt, which united us together and clothed 
us as with a mantle of love. Surely it was the Lord's doing, 
and marvellous in our eyes. 

The next day I attended Friends' meeting near the Bowery, 
as it came in course ; and some notice being given of my intend- 
ing to be there, we had the company of a number of their 
neighbours of other societies. This was also a very instructive 
favoured season. 

The ensuing evening I had another appointed meeting for 
the citizens at large, in Friends' meeting-house at Liberty-street. 
This was rather a trying meeting; as many who attended 
were such as had settled down in a form, and were difficult to 
reach, which makes hard labour for the truly exercised minis- 
ters. However I had a hope the season would prove profitable 
to some, and I left them with peace of mind. 

This meeting closed my labours in this journey, and the next 
morning we rode home, the 12th of the 11th month, 1819. I 
found my family and friends in usual health, and glad to see 
me, which rendered it a cause of mutual joy, and filled my 
heart with gratitude and thanksgiving to the God and Father 
of all our sure mercies, who had led about, instructed and pre- 
served me, through all, to the praise of his great and excellent 
name. 

I was from home in this journey about three months, and 
travelled nearly twelve hundred miles, and attended eighty-seven 
mccUiig.s. 



ELIAS HICKS. 385 

First day, 14th. I sat with my Friends in our own meeting, 
in which I was largely led forth in ministry, setting forth, as it 
opened on my mind, the cause why so little progress was made 
in reformation, and the true spiritual or real Christian life ; and 
showing that it was principally, as it then appeared in the open- 
ings of truth, occasioned by the visited children of our heavenly 
Father, not keeping close to that which first visited them, 
and opened their understanding ; bat letting their minds out to 
worldly things, and that by opening the way to a free and 
familiar converse with the people of the world, many were led 
and induced thereby to join with them in their manners, max- 
ims, interests and worldly policies, by which means they were 
so yoked together in a free and open friendship, as thereby to 
become weakened and brought into bondage to them ; so as to 
be ashamed and afraid to stand upright, and bear a faithful testi- 
mony against this worldly spirit and its fruits ; by which the 
testimonies of truth were in a great measure let fall, for fear of 
offending these their worldly-minded associates, by which the 
promotion of the cause of truth was greatly obstructed, and its 
faithful testimony-bearers grieved, and made to go mourning on 
their way. 

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, in which I also 
had some close searching labour to stir up Friends to more dili- 
gence and faithfulness in the support of our Christian testimo- 
nies ; .and cautioning them against a worldly spirit, which would 
lead to extortion and grinding the faces of the poor ; for this is 
very reproachful for any Christian professor, and more so for us, 
who are making a more exalted profession than any others who 
go under the Christian name. 

First day, the 21st. My mind to-day was led into a neai 
feeling sympathy with such as had been visited with the day 
spring from on high, but who had not so fully given up to the 
pointing of truth, in what are generally termed little things, as 
they ought ; the natural tendency of which is to lead the mind 
into a doubting state. For when the creature, in his own will, 
takes the liberty of judging for himself, of what is little, or what 
is great, he departs from the true standard, and has no certain 

49 



386 JOURNAL OP 

evidence to walk by ; for if he has a right to judge for himself in 
one case, why not in every other. Here doubting will arise in 
his mind, of what is, or is not, agreeable to the divine will ; as 
nothing can give the mind certain evidence, but faithfully com- 
plying with the evident sensations which the light of truth opens 
upon it, let them be what the creature may judge to be small or 
great ; for we have no more reason or right to refuse complying 
with a small requisition, than we have a great one, if the 
requisition proceeds from the same source. The subject was so 
opened as to affect many minds with tenderness and contrition ; 
and had an humbling, solemnizing effect on the meeting in 
general, and was, I believe, gladdening to many minds. 

Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence, which was very 
acceptable to me. 

First day, the 28th. Mostly silent in meeting to-day. 

On my return home from my late journey, I felt my mind 
drawn in sympathy, attended with a concern to pay a religious 
visil to the neighbouring inhabitants in the compass of our quar- 
terly meeting. This concern I opened to my friends the first 
monthly meeting after my return, and received their full unity 
therein ; but taking a severe cold soon after I came home, I con- 
tinued indisposed for some weeks, which with some necessary 
concerns, prevented my entering on the visit, until after our suc- 
ceeding monthly meeting. The fourth day following, the 22d 
of 12th month, I proceeded therein, accompanied by my wife 
and my kinsman, Isaac Hicks, of Westbury. We were from 
home five days, and attended six meetings, mostly among those 
of other societies. It was a time of deep exercise to me, being led 
in the line of searching labour, pointing to a reform in manners 
and conduct; and showing the fallacy of all ceremonial religion 
in the observation of days, and complying with outward ordi- 
nances ; which do not in the least tend to make the comers 
thereunto a whit the better, as it respects the conscience, but 
lead the observers thereof into a form, without the power. 

We returned home the following second day. I tarried at 
home until ihe beginning of* the next week, when feeling my 
mind drawn to all.end the monthly meeting of Friends in New- 



ELIAS HICKS. 387 

York, I again left home, accompanied by the aforesaid friend. 
We were at the monthly meeting on fourth day, in which I had 
some close exercise, the meeting having much business before it, 
and one case in particular was very trying, in which Friends 
were divided, and two or three unqualified individuals seemed 
determined, for a considerable time, to compel the meeting to 
comply with their unsanctified wills ; but as Friends who were 
rightly exercised, patiently kept up the travail, and withstood 
them, truth was raised into dominion, and by its power silenced 
all then cavilling, and united the meeting in a right conclusion. 
The meeting for worship and that for discipline continued 
upwards of six hours. 

We left the city soon after the close of this long meeting, and 
passed over the river to Brooklyn, where by previous appointment 
we had a meeting that evening, composed of the different pro- 
fessions of the inhabitants of that place, very few Friends resi- 
ding there. The meeting was pretty large, and in the main 
satisfactory. The next day we proceeded to Flushing, and 
attended their monthly meeting. I was silent in the meeting 
for worship, but had some good service in that for discipline. 
We also had an appointed meeting in the evening for the inhabit- 
ants of the town, which was large and solemn. The next day 
we returned to Newtown, and had a meeting at Friends' meet- 
ing-house at the Kilns in that place, at the eleventh hour ; 
and another in the evening at the sixth hour, in the village. 
They were both favoured meetings. We returned to Flushing 
after the latter meeting, and lodged with our kind friend Waiter 
Farrington, and the next day rode home and found my family 
well. 

First day, the 9th of 1st month, 1820. I sat with my friends 
at home in our own meeting to-day, which I considered as no 
small privilege. 

On second day morning I was early informed, that my kins- 
man and kind fellow traveller Isaac Hicks, was taken with a 
severe illness, about ten o'clock the preceding evening, and lay 
at the point of death. I hastened to see him, and found him 
nearly breathing his last, being past noticing any thing by his 



388 JOURNAL OF 

external senses. It was a sudden and unexpected trial to me, to 
be thus almost instantaneously separated from such a kind and 
valued friend, who had for a number of years devoted himself in 
divers ways, to promote the cause of truth and righteousness in 
the earth ; and in particular, by encouraging and accompanying 
Friends in the ministry, when travelling in truth's service, 
especially myself, having been with me in several long journeys, 
as well as divers short ones. I parted with him at the close 
of one of the latter, on the seventh day afternoon before his 
death, at his own house, and apparently in usual health: 
although he had been for a considerable time previous thereto, 
much afflicted, at times, with severe pain in his breast and short- 
ness of breath, which created great suffering during their con- 
tinuance. He had a return thereof the evening before I last 
parted with him, which occasioned him to observe to me, that 
he thought he should ere long be taken off in one of those 
attacks ; but I then thought quite otherwise, as in other respects 
he appeared to be in very good health, and had a very healthy 
countenance. 

Such sudden attacks prove with indubitable evidence, that 
mortality is so closely interwoven in the very constitution of 
these animal bodies, that the present moment is the only time 
we can call our own ; and which continually announce the 
impressive language : " Be ye therefore ready." 

'Such sudden and unexpected separations from our endeared 
friends make the loss seem greater, not only to their families and 
near connexions, but to their friends in general, and particularly 
so to those who knew their real worth. But it ever affords a 
soothing consolation, and induces to acquiesce in the divine 
will, when we have evident cause to hope that our loss, which 
is but for a short time, is their eternal gain. 

I attended the funeral of my beloved friend, which was large 
and solemn ; and I was led forth in an impressive testimony to 
the truths of the gospel ; inviting the people to inquire, and see, 
and taste for themselves, that the Lord is good. 

I continued at home until the following seventh day, when I 
again proceeded on my visit to the neighbouring towns and 



ELIAS HICKS. 389 

villages, y I was from home about thirteen days and attended 
fifteen meetings, returning home on sixth day, the 11th of 2d 
month, 1820. My service in many of those opportunities was 
very arduous ; the lukewarmness and insensibility of the people, 
as to any right religious concern, make hard work for the honest 
labourers, in this day of ease and carnal security. But true 
peace of mind, the sure result of faithfulness, crowns the attempts 
at doing good, as it makes hard things easy and bitter things 
sweet. 

I tarried at home until the latter end of the next week, in the 
course of which I had a very severe attack of bodily indisposi- 
tion, occasioned by the gravel, with which I have been afflicted 
at times, for near twenty years. These warnings are designed 
to spur us on to our duty, as they continually announce to 
the enlightened mind this very useful memento : " Remember 
to die." 

In the latter end of the week, there came to my house my 
much esteemed friend and kinsman Edward Hicks, from New- 
town, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on a religious visit to our 
parts, with his companion James Walton, an elder. I accom 
paniedthem the next day to a meeting they had appointed at 
Westbury. It was very large, in which Edward had very good 
service, being largely led forth to open to the people many im- 
portant doctrines of the Christian religion. I accompanied him 
to all the meetings he had among us except one ; and in some 
of them had a portion of the service laid upon me, particularly 
in the meeting at Bethpage. 

I accompanied my friend to four meetings after this, in which 
he was generally favoured to open things suitable to the states 
of the people ; his gift being searching and lively. After his 
service was over in the meeting at Cowneck, on first day, I was 
led forth in a short testimony ; and the meeting closed under 
an evident sense that truth reigned. Our next meeting was 
the day following at Rockaway, on second day, the 28th of 2d 
month. It was in the main a favoured opportunity. My part 
was to sit in silence. After this meeting I parted with my 
beloved friend and his companion, in the fellowship of the gos- 



390 JOURNAL OP 

pel; they proceeded towards New- York, and I returned home 
that evening, and found my family well. 

First day, the 5th of 3d month. I attended our own meeting, 
which through heavenly help proved a very precious instructive 
season. It was larger than usual, many coming in who did 
not often attend, to whom the gospel was preached in the de- 
monstration of the spirit, through which truth was raised into 
dominion, causing the hearts of many to be warmed within 
them by the influence of its power, and manifesting itself by 
much brokenness and contrition of spirit. 

Second day, the 13th. Attended the funeral of our friend 
Charles Frost, at which there was a large collection of friends 
and neighbours. A meeting was held on the occasion, which 
was a favoured one, and, I trust, a profitable opportunity to some 
present, and worthy of grateful remembrance. 

In the fall of 1820, being, with several other friends, on an 
appointment from the yearly meeting, requiring our care and 
attention in the northern quarters, and having for some time 
previously felt my mind drawn to visit some of the meetings of 
Friends, within the compass of Farmington and Duanesburgh 
quarterly meetings, I obtained the unity and concurrence of my 
Friends at home to attend thereto, after accomplishing the ser- 
vice of the yearly meeting. I accordingly set out in the 9th 
month, and was favoured to go through the visit with peace to 
my own mind ; for He, who is the alone sure helper of all his . 
dependant children, graciously manifested himself to be near, for 
my help and encouragement in the travail and exercise that I 
was engaged in, for the promotion of his noble cause of truth 
and righteousness in the earth ; and in a way, that was often 
marvellous in mine eyes, tending to inspire my soul with deep 
and humble gratitude and thanksgiving, for the unmerited 
favour. 

In the summer of 1822, I opened to my Friends a prospect, 
which for a considerable time had been impressive on my mind, 
to make a visit in the love of the gospel, to Friends and others 
in some parts of the yearly meeting of Philadelphia ; and, if 
way should open for it, to visit some of the families of Friends in 



ELI AS HICKS. 391 

that city, and also to attend the yearly meeting at Baltimore. 
They united with me in the concern, and left me at liberty to 
proceed therein. I set out in the 7th month, with David Sea- 
man as my companion. We had a large favoured meeting at 
Flushing, which was strengthening and comforting to my mind, 
in first setting out in this arduous engagement, and excited 
gratitude for the unmerited mercy. After leaving Flushing on 
our way to New- York, my prospect of a meeting at Hester- 
street, which I had a view of several weeks before I left home, 
revived with renewed weight ; and although from the conster- 
nation and interrupted state of the citizens, owing to the preva- 
lence of fever in the city, I had given up the prospect on leaving 
home, yet I now saw that I could not depart from the city with 
a quiet mind, unless I had a meeting agreeably to my former 
view. Accordingly, when I got into town I opened my concern 
to some of my friends there, who readily united therewith, and 
notice was given ; and one of the Friends who attended about 
the door at the gathering of the meeting, said there were more 
people collected than had ever been at any former time in that 
place ; several hundreds, he said, went away, who could not 
get into the house for want of room. I had a full opportunity 
to clear my mind among the people, most of whom were very 
solid and attentive. Thus we have great cause of gratitude to 
the gracious Care-taker of his faithfully devoted children, who 
opens a way for them, when some are ready to conclude there 
is no way. But he opens a way for those, which none but 
himself can shut, to the praise of his own great and adorable 
name, who is over all, blessed for ever. 

We then proceeded to Newark, and had a meeting in the 
court-house. There was a pretty large collection of the inhabit- 
ants, among whom I had strength and utterance given to open 
many important doctrines of the Christian religion, in a clear and 
impressive manner, which appeared sensibly to affect and impress 
the minds of the sober and well inclined ; but many appeared 
very ignorant and inexperienced as to the real truths of the 
gospel. But having fully cleared my mind among them, I left 
them with the answer of peace, and proceeded to Plainfield. We 



392 JOURNAL OF 

attended the meeting there, which was large for the place ; and 
it was favoured in an eminent manner, to our mutual comfort. 
We then rode to Kingwood, and had a full and comfortable 
meeting there ; after which we went to Solebury, in Pennsyl- 
vania, and had a meeting at the sixth hour in the evening. It 
was a large meeting, in which I was led to discharge myself 
faithfully in a close searching testimony. It was a very solemn 
quiet opportunity, and I parted with them in peace of mind. 

We afterwards attended meetings at Buckingham, Plumbstead, 
Wrightstown, Makefield, and Newtown : and we have abundant 
cause to bless the name of Israel's unslumbering Shepherd, who 
hath graciously condescended to manifest his presence and power 
for our help and support, opening my way in a marvellous manner 
in all the meetings I have attended since I left home, uniting my 
friends in a joint travail for the promotion of his blessed cause ; 
truth prevailing in every meeting, and running as precious oint- 
ment over the assemblies, bearing down all opposition, and 
spreading, by its power, a sweet and precious solemnity over all. 
Surely it is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes : and 
what is the greatest cause of gratitude and thanksgiving to the 
benevolent Author of all our richest blessings, is, that he causes 
all these favours to bow my spirit in deep humiliation and fear 
before him, as unworthy of the least of his mercies. To the 
sufficiency of his grace, may all the praise and glory be ascribed, 
nothing due to man. 

We then attended meetings at Horsham, Upper Dublin, North 
Wales, Plymouth, Providence, Pikeland, Westchester, London 
Grove, and Deer Creek ; and my spirit is humbled in a deep 
feeling sense of the Lord's goodness vouchsafed for our help, 
opening a way in the minds of my friends generally to receive 
the testimonies given me to bear, for the promotion of his righteous 
cause, with marks of apparent joy and satisfaction, and to our 
mutual comfort. We reached Baltimore on the 25th of 10th 
month ; and the meeting of Ministers and Elders was opened 
on the next day at the tenth hour. The yearly meeting con- 
tinned till sixth day evening, and was acknowledged to be the 
largest and the most favoured meeting they had known for 



ELIAS HICKS. 393 

several years past. The unity of Friends with my exercises in 
the public meetings, and in those for discipline, was truly grateful, 
and tended to humble and inspire my mind with gratitude and 
thanksgiving to my heavenly Father. 

I did not feel myself at. liberty to leave the city at the close of 
the yearly meeting, believing that some more public service 
among the people was required of me. I had accordingly a 
public meeting in the Eastern District, on seventh day evening. 
It was very large ; and among the various subjects that opened 
for communication to those assembled, I was led to expose the 
iniquity and deformity of the cruel practice of holding our fellow 
creatures in bondage, and the injustice and inconsistency of 
Friends doing any act where the right of slavery was acknow- 
ledged and supported ; and, I think, I was enabled to do it in a 
more full and impressive manner than ever before. We had a 
very interesting and solemn meeting; truth appeared to gain 
the victory, and reigned over all. On first day I attended Friends' 
meetings for the Western District, both in the forenoon and after- 
noon. They were very large ; and I had a full opportunity in 
the morning of clearing myself among them. We had a precious, 
powerful meeting ; and among the divers states addressed, the 
slave-holders were peculiarly the objects of my exercise and 
concern. The afternoon meeting I sat in silence, except the 
expression of a few words just at the close, in taking leave of them, 
and bidding all farewell. 

In the evening I had a precious interesting opportunity with 
the coloured people, in Friends' meeting-house in the Western 
District. It was said by Friends to be much the largest known 
in that place. It was a very quiet, solemn meeting ; and the 
minds of all, both white and coloured, seemed animated with 
gladness and joy for the favour dispensed, and gave manifestations 
of their thankfulness and gratitude for the opportunity. 

We then proceeded towards Philadelphia, attending several 
meetings on our way, which were greatly favoured, and crowned 
with the divine presence and power, in such a manner as to be 
marvellous in our eyes. 

50 



394 JOURNAL OP 

We arrived in Philadelphia in the early part of 12th month ; 
and I immediately entered on the arduous concern which I had 
had in prospect, and which I was favoured soon comfortably to 
accomplish. We visited the families composing Green-street 
monthly meeting, being in number about one hundred and forty ; 
and we also attended that monthly meeting, and the monthly 
meeting for the Northern District. This closed my visit there, 
and set me at liberty to turn my face homeward. We left Phila- 
delphia on the 25th of 12th month, and attended several meetings 
in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, on our way home, which 
were large and solemn opportunities. We were favoured to 
reach our homes with feelings of thanksgiving to our gracious 
Preserver, and with the enjoyment of that precious peace, which 
is experienced by those whose minds are stayed on God ; as the 
prophet declared in his appeal to Jehovah : " Thou wilt keep 
him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he 
trusteth in thee." And he subjoins, for our encouragement: 
" Trust in the Lord for ever ; for in the Lord Jehovah is ever- 
lasting strength.' 5 May we all dwell here ; then nothing can 
hurt or harm us; for the Lord our Preserver will turn all the 
designs and cunning devices of those that rise up against us 
upon their own heads, and cause them to fall into their own pit. 

In the latter part of 1823, I felt myself engaged to make a 
religious visit to Friends and others in several of the lower quar- 
terly meetings ; and having obtained the unity of my friends, I set 
out in the 10th month, with Samuel Willis as my companion. 
After having meetings at Westchester and Mamaroneck, we 
attended the select quarterly meeting at Purchase, which was 
small, many of the members being absent. They appeared to 
be clothed with much weakness : I was led into a feeling sympa- 
thy with them, and way was opened to communicate to their 
states, in a way that was comforting and encouraging to the 
1 hearted. The next day was the quarterly meeting of 
pline. It was large; and, I think, in the main it was a 
favoured instructive season, although considerably hurt by a long 
tedious communication from a Friend, not sufficiently clothed 
with life to make it useful. Bui the societv is in Buch a mixed 



ELIAS HICKS. 395 

and unstable state, and many who presume to be teachers in it 
are so far from keeping on the original foundation, the light and 
spirit of truth, and are so built up in mere tradition, that I fear 
a great portion of the ministry amongst us is doing more harm 
than good, and is leading back to the weak and beggarly elements 
to which some seem desirous to be again in bondage. 

After leaving Purchase, we had a pretty large and favoured 
meeting at North Castle ; and next day we went to Oblong, and 
attended their meeting on first day. It was large, and I had an 
open time among them, through the prevalence of that power 
which opens and none can shut, and when he shuts none can 
open. Truth reigned, and the people generally, I believe, were 
instructed, comforted, and edified. I parted with them in true 
peace of mind, which leads my heart into deep humility, and 
inspires it with gratitude and thanksgiving to the great and 
blessed Author of all our mercies. We had a meeting at the 
Branch, and then proceeded to Nine Partners, and attended the 
select quarterly meeting. ' It was much like some other meetings 
of this kind, hard and not very fruitful. The members of those 
meetings are too generally falling more short of coming up faith- 
fully, according to their stations, than most of the other depart- 
ments of our society. We attended the quarterly meeting for 
discipline, also that at Stanford, and soon after turned our faces 
homeward ; where we arrived, accompanied with the fresh feel- 
ings of that love that many waters cannot quench ; even that 
powerful love that is stronger than death, and binds together in 
an indissoluble bond, all the new-born children of the heavenly 
Father. May we all seek for it, and dwell in it. It will cast 
out all fear, and clothe with that innocent boldness, which will 
enable us to withstand all the dark powers of antichrist and his 
agents, and all their deceivableness of unrighteousness ; and 
will raise above the fear of death, with all his mis-shapen and 
ugly forms, and clothe with the joys of God's salvation here and 
for ever, as we continue steadfast in the faith that overcomes the 
world. 



396 JOURNAL OF 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Visit to Baltimore to attend the yearly meeting in 1824.— Visit to the inhabitants 
of the eastern part of Long Island in 1825. — Visit to Scipio quarterly meeting 
in 1825.— Visit to Southern and Concord quarterly meetings in Pennsylvania 
in 1826.— Visit to the families of Friends in Jericho and Westbury monthly 
meetings in 1827. — Visit to Friends in some parts of New Jersey, Pennsylva- 
nia and Ohio in 1828. 

In the summer of 1824, I had the concurrence of my friends 
to attend the quarterly meeting of Cornwall and Stanford, which 
I accomplished to my own peace and comfort. And in the fall 
of the same year, they also united with a concern which had 
impressed my mind, to attend the ensuing yearly meeting in 
Baltimore. This engagement, through the mercy of Him who 
has hitherto helped me, I was favoured to accomplish to the 
peace and satisfaction of my own mind. The yearly meeting 
for discipline opened on second day, and continued by adjourn- 
ments until the following fifth day, in the afternoon of which it 
closed, under a comfortable evidence of divine favour attending. 
I think it was, in its several sittings, one of the most satisfactory 
yearly meetings I ever attended, and the business was conducted 
in much harmony and brotherly love. 

In Philadelphia, on my return, I had a severe attack of bodily 
indisposition ; so that, for some time, there seemed but little 
prospect of my recovery. I lodged at the house of my very 
kind friend Samuel R. Fisher, who, with liis worthy child ki. 
extended to me the most affectionate care and attention ; and I 
had also the kind sympathy of a large portion of Friends in 
that city. 

In the summer of 1825, I obtained the concurrence of my 
friends to make a visit, in gospel love, to the inhabitants of the 



EL I AS HICKS. 



397 



eastern part of Long Island, and I proceeded therein, with 
Samuel Willis as my companion. The people appeared open 
to receive us, and the meetings at the several places we visit- 
ed, were pretty fully attended. Many minds were humbled 
and contrited, and truth's testimonies exalted, and the people 
generally comforted, and, I trust, edified. 

In the fall of 1825, being on an appointment of the yearly 
meeting to attend the opening of Scipio quarterly meeting, I 
obtained the unity of my friends to attend some meetings among 
Friends and others, on my way going and returning. The 
quarterly meeting in its several sittings, was conducted in much 
apparent harmony and condescension ; the truth was so effect- 
ually raised into dominion over all, that if there were any dis- 
cordant spirits present, they were all kept down and subdued 
by the prevalence of its power ; and Friends were united in the 
bond of brotherly affection, and the faithful were made to rejoice 
for the unmerited favour. The meeting closed on the 30th of 
9th month, with a very large solemn public meeting ; the pub- 
lic service therein fell to the lot of Thankful Merritt and myself, 
and Thankful closed the meeting in sweet solemn supplication. 
In returning home, I attended several meetings which were 
large, and, through the condescending goodness of the Shepherd 
of Israel, were favoured satisfactory seasons, in which truth was 
raised into dominion, and a precious solemnity prevailed. 

In the latter part of 1826, my friends united with a concern, 
which had been for a considerable time impressive on my mind, 
to make a visit in the love of the gospel, to Southern and 
Concord quarterly meetings, in the yearly meeting of Philadel- 
phia. I accordingly set out in the 11th month, with Jesse Mer 
ritt as my companion. In passing through Philadelphia, we 
attended Mulberry-street meeting in the forenoon, and Green- 
street in the afternoon. They were both very large meetings, 
many more coming together than the houses could contain. 
Truth was powerfully raised into dominion, and at the close of 
each meeting, many Friends manifested, in an affectionate 
manner, their unity and satisfaction with my labours amongst 
them. We then proceeded on the further service on which we 



398 JOURNAL OF 

had set out, taking several meetings on the way, which were large 
and solemn opportunities, and favoured with the overshadowing 
wing of divine kindness ; and having accomplished the prospects 
in view, we turned our faces homewards, having thankfully to 
acknowledge that hest help had been near, enabling me to dis- 
charge myself faithfully in the various meetings, to the comfort 
and peace of my own mind. 

In the early part of 1827, with the unity of my friends, I 
entered into the engagement of making a religious visit to the 
families of Friends within our own and Westbury monthly 
meeting, and I was favoured to go through this arduous service 
to the satisfaction and peace of my own mind. 

Having felt an exercise and travail of spirit in the course of 
last year, to make a religious visit in the love of the gospel, to 
Friends and others in some parts of our own yearly meeting, 
and in the compass of the yearly meetings of Philadelphia, 
Baltimore, Ohio, Indiana, and a few meetings in Virginia ; and 
apprehending the time had come to move therein, I spread the 
concern before my friends at Jericho monthly meeting, held the 
20th of 3d month, 1828, and obtained their unity and concur- 
rence therein. This concern, with the certificate from our 
monthly meeting, I laid before our quarterly meeting held at 
Westbury, the 24th of 4th month following ; and obtained their 
unity and concurrence, with an endorsement thereof on my 
certificate from the monthly meeting. 

I left home the 28th of 4th month, the week after our quar- 
terly meeting, in order to accomplish the service above alluded 
to; and attended the three quarterly meetings of Purchase, 
Nine Partners, and Stanford, as they came in their usual course. 
On my way home, I attended Oblong monthly meeting, also 
four particular meetings, three of which were appointed at my 
request. In all these meetings the Lord, our gracious helper, 
manifested himself to be near for our support, making way for 
us at times where there seemed to be no way, to our humbling 
admiration; I was from home in the prosecution of this little 
tour of duly, two weeks and two days. After this I tarried at 
and about home until after our yearly meeting. 



ELIAS HICKS. 399 

Soon after this I again left home, on the 14th of 6th month, 
and rode to New- York. The day following being the first of 
the week, we attended the morning and afternoon meetings of 
Friends in the city, which, through the gracious extendings of 
heavenly help, proved to be comfortable edifying seasons. My 
esteemed friend Jesse Merritt, an elder of our monthly meeting, 
accompanied me in this journey. We left New- York on second 
day, after taking a sympathetic farewell of our friends in the 
city, and proceeded on our journey to Rah way in New Jersey, 
and lodged with our kind friend William Shot well, and the next 
day had an appointed meeting in that village. It was truly a 
comfortable edifying opportunity ; many truths of the gospel 
were clearly opened to the audience, humbling and contriting 
many who were present ; a sense of which inspired our minds 
with gratitude arid thanksgiving to the blessed Author of all 
our mercies. 

The next day being the fourth of the week, we attended 
Friends' monthly meeting held at Plainfield, for Rahway and 
Plainfield. The meeting for worship was large, many of the 
neighbouring people of other societies coming in, to whom the 
gospel was freely preached in the demonstration of the spirit, 
solemnizing the assembly, and truth was raised into victory over 
all. My mind was also comforted in the meeting for discipline, 
in observing the harmony and brotherly condescension of Friends, 
in the orderly conducting the affairs of the Church. 

The next day we proceeded on our journey to Kingwood, 
and put up with our kind friend Henry Clifton. We had an 
appointed meeting here the day after at the tenth hour, and 
although the number of Friends was small that constituted this 
meeting, yet Friends being careful to give their neighbours of 
other societies information thereof, we had a very full meeting ; 
and it proved a very solemn impressive opportunity in which 
truth reigned, comforting and contriting many minds. 

After this we passed on to Solebury in Pennsylvania, and 
lodged with our kind friend Watson Fell, who met us at King- 
wood and kindly took us to his house. The next day we had 
an appointed meeting here at the fourth hour in the afternoon. 



400 JOURNAL OF 

It was a solemn opportunity, and I parted with them under a 
thankful sense of the unmerited favour. We then rode home 
with our kind friend Moses Eastburn ; and the next day being 
first day, and the 22d of 6th month, we attended Buckingham 
meeting in the morning, and had an appointed meeting at 
Plumbstead at four o'clock in the afternoon. After this we rode 
home with our worthy friend Israel Lancaster, and on second 
day had a meeting at Wrightstown ; on third day in the fore- 
noon, we attended Newtown meeting ; and at the fourth horn- 
in the afternoon had an appointed meeting at Makefield. These 
were all large favoured meetings, in which the gospel was 
preached in the demonstration of the spirit, and many hearts 
were humbled and contrited, and a precious solemnity spread 
over the meetings, comforting and rejoicing the honest-hearted, 
and to the praise of Him, who is calling us to glory and virtue. 

On fourth day, the 25th, we attended a meeting at the Falls ; 
on fifth day were at Middletown ; on sixth day at Byberry ; and 
on seventh day at Abington. These meetings were all large 
and very solemn, and the canopy of love, in a very comforting 
manner, was felt to spread over the assemblies ; and much kind- 
ness and friendly regard were manifested towards us, not only 
by our friends, but by the people in general of other societies, 
who attended the meetings. 

We attended Horsham meeting in the morning, on first day, 
the 29th, and had an appointed meeting at Upper Dublin at 
the fourth hour in the afternoon. They were very large ; more 
attended than the houses could contain. As the last meeting 
was assembling there came on a heavy shower of rain, accom- 
panied with an uncommon lime of lightning', and very heavy 
peals of thunder : many flashes' of the lightning appeared to 
strike down to the earth within a very small distance of the 
meeting-house, which brought a great solemnity over the meet- 
ing, and I was thankful in observing the stillness and quiet 
which prevailed generally among the people. These meetings 
were very solemn seasons, in which truth reigned, and I parted 
with them in peace of mind, and the fresh feelings of gospel 
love. 



ELIAS HICKS. 401 

Our kind friend Joseph Foulke met us at Horsham; and after 
the latter meeting conducted us to his house, where we met a 
very cordial welcome, and were favoured with the company and 
conversation of his ancient and very worthy father Hugh Foulke. 
The two following days we attended meetings at North Wales 
and Plymouth. These were large favoured meetings, in which 
many truths of the gospel were largely opened to the edification, 
comfort, and apparent satisfaction, of those large assemblies, and 
to the peace of my own mind. It was the Lord's doing, and 
to him belongs all the praise, nothing due to man. 

From thence we proceeded to Charlestown, and lodged with 
our kind friend James Wood; and the next day, being the 
fourth day of the week, we attended their meeting. After this 
we rode to Pikeland, where we were very kindly entertained by 
our friends Emmor Kimber and wife, and had an appointed 
meeting there the next day. We tarried here until the next 
morning ; and then proceeded on to Uwchlan, where we had a 
meeting, by previous appointment, at the eleventh hour ; and 
although it was in the midst of their harvest, and the care 
necessary for getting it in, very urgent, as many of then fields 
of grain appeared to be over-ripe, yet to our own and our friends' 
admiration, the meetings were unusually large, frequently many 
more assembled than the houses could contain. The people 
were generally very solid and quiet, and very attentive to hear 
what was communicated ; and many minds were humbled and 
contrited, and truth's testimonies exalted, to the mutual comfort 
and encouragement of the honest-hearted, and to the general 
satisfaction of the assembled multitudes; and my mind was 
deeply humbled and made thankful for the continuance of those 
unmerited favours. 

On seventh day, the 5th of 7th month, we attended a 
meeting at Downing's Town, held in an orchard, under the 
shade of the apple trees ; which was a large, solemn, satisfactory 
meeting. A division having taken place in the Society of 
Friends, and the meeting-house in this place being in possession 
of the party termed Orthodox, they refused to permit Friends to 
occupy it on this occasion. There were, however, more attended 

51 



402 JOURNAL OF 

the meeting, than could have got into the house, if we had been 
permitted to use it. The next day we attended Friends' meeting 
at East Cain ; and notice having been given of our intention 
of attending it, the house, although veiy large, did not contain 
more than three quarters of the people that assembled. It was 
a season to be remembered with gratitude, in which the Lord's 
presence was felt to preside, humbling and contriting many 
hearts, and truth was raised into victory over all. 

On second day we attended a meeting, by appointment, at 
Sadsbury ; and on third day their monthly meeting. On fourth 
day we had an appointed meeting at Lampeter. These were 
all favoured opportunities, wherein the Lord's power was mani- 
fested for our help, rejoicing and encouraging the honest-hearted, 
and settling and confirming the wavering, who were halting 
between two opinions, but were now satisfied, and openly 
declared themselves on the side of Friends, some of whom had 
previously gone with our opposers, but were now convinced of 
the impropriety of their conduct, and cheerfully united with 
Friends. 

After the latter meeting, we dined with our friend Thomas 
Peart. We then took leave of our friends in near unity, and 
proceeded on our journey to Columbia, and lodged with our kind 
friend William Wright, who, Avith his worthy and affectionate 
wife, entertained us with great hospitality. We had an appointed 
meeting at this place the next day. The two following days 
we attended meetings at Little York and Newbury. All of 
these were favoured opportunities, in which truth was raised 
into dominion, and many hearts were humbled and contrited, 
and the faithful comforted and made to rejoice together in the 
unity of the one spirit, Christ, the only sure foundation, on which 
the true Church has been built in all the varied ages of mankind, 
from the beginning down to the present time; and on -which all 
future generations must build, or their building must and will 
fall. 

On first day, the 13th of 7th month, we attended Friends 7 
meeting at Warrington, and the two following days (lie meet- 
ings of Huntington and Monallin. These were all favoured 



ELIAS HICKS. 403 

opportunities, in which ability was vouchsafed, by the blessed 
Author of all our sure mercies, to preach the gospel to the people 
in the simplicity, plainness, and demonstration of the spirit, 
which brought a precious solemnity over the assemblies ; and I 
parted with them with the satisfactory evidence of having faith- 
fully discharged myself among them, feeling that true peace of 
mind, which the world, with all its fading enjoyments, cannot 
give nor take away. The next day, the 16th, we proceeded on 
our journey through the mountains to Redstone, about one 
hundred and sixty-one miles ; and arrived there on first day, 
the 20th, about eight o'clock in the morning, at the house of 
our kind friend Jesse Townsend. We attended their meeting 
at the eleventh hour, which was large and favoured. We 
lodged with our aforesaid friend, during the time we spent in 
this place. 

On second day we rested. On third and fourth days we 
attended meetings at Providence and Centre. On fifth day we 
attended Westland monthly meeting ; and the neighbourhood 
being informed of our coming, there were more people assembled 
than the house could contain ; and I had a full opportunity to 
discharge myself among them in a large effective testimony, 
which brought a precious solemnity over the meeting, and 
many minds were humbled and contrited. 

A Friend from abroad attended this meeting, and after I sat 
down he rose and made opposition, which greatly disturbed the 
meeting. 

On sixth day we attended an appointed meeting at Pike 
Run. It was held in the side of a wood, the meeting-house 
having been burnt. There being but few Friends in this place, 
they met in a small private room : this induced them to make 
seats out of doors, as the house would not have held half the 
people that met. It was an unusually favoured season. In the 
silent part of the meeting, the divine presence was felt to spread 
over the assembly, producing such a sweet and precious solem- 
nity, as I scarcely ever before witnessed in the same fullness, 
and which continued through the course of my communication. 
Surely it was the Lord's doing, and it was marvellous in our eyes. 



404 JOURNAL OF 

After this meeting we dined with our kind fiiend John Grave, 
and then proceeded on our way about three miles towards 
Brownsville, and lodged with our fiiend Isaac Walker. On 
seventh day night we lodged at the house of our friend Solomon 
Philips, near Brownsville; and the next morning crossed the 
river Monongahela into the town. Here we put up again with 
our kind friends Jesse and Edith Townsend, where we had the 
company of many Friends, and many of the inhabitants of the 
town not members of our society, also came in to see us ; as the 
unfounded reports of those who style themselves Orthodox, 
having been generally spread over the country, it created such 
a great excitement in the minds of the people at large, that multi- 
tudes flocked to the meetings where we were, to hear for them- 
selves ; and many came to see us, and acknowledged their 
satisfaction. 

At this place we again fell in with the Friend from abroad, 
who attended the meeting with us ; he rose in the early part 
of the meeting, and continued his communication so long, that 
a number left the meeting, by which it became very much un- 
settled : however, when he sat down I felt an opening to stand 
up ; and the people returned and crowded into the house, and 
those that could not get in stood about the doors and windows, 
and a precious solemnity soon spread over the meeting, which 
has been the case in every meeting, where our opposers did not 
make disturbance by their disorderly conduct. The meeting 
closed in a quiet and orderly manner, and I was very thankful 
for the favour. 

On second day we rested and wrote to our friends. On third 
day we attended their preparative meeting for Ministers and 
Elders, and on fourth day their monthly meeting. Here the 
Friend who had before made opposition opposed me publicly and 
personally in the meeting for worship ; but I nevertheless had a 
favoured opportunity, to the general satisfaction of the meeting, 
and to the peace of my own mind. 

We attended Westland meeting again on fifth day a* it came 
in course. It was pretty large, many of (he neighbouring inhabit- 
ants coming in. We bad a very favoured meeting; Friends 



ELIAS HICKS. 405 

were comforted together, and the people went away satisfied; 
and my mind was folly relieved, and inspired with thankfulness 
and gratitude. 

On sixth day we attended the quarterly meeting of Ministers 
and Elders held at Westland, where we met with but little oppo- 
sition ; and the next day we attended the quarterly meeting of 
discipline. I had good service in the meeting for worship, which 
preceded that for discipline. It was very large, a great num- 
ber of those not in membership with Friends came in, and 
behaved very orderly. Here we met with some opposition, 
more particularly in the meeting for discipline from the Friend 
above mentioned. And Friends were so disturbed with the 
conduct of this Friend and his companion, that they proposed 
that the Elders and Overseers should take an opportunity with 
them, and see if they could not put a stop to such disorderly 
conduct; accordingly they had an interview with them, in 
which Friends relieved their minds pretty fully ; but the few 
termed Orthodox, used their influence in their favour, which 
greatly prevented their being benefited by the opportunity. 

Public notice was given at the close of the meeting on seventh 
day, that my companion and myself intended to be at their 
meeting the next day. A great number more assembled than 
the house could contain; and although the Friend above alluded 
to, had so fully discovered that not only Friends, but the people 
generally, had no unity with him, yet soon after the meeting 
was settled, he rose and stood a considerable time. After he 
sat down, I was favoured to clear myself among them in a large 
impressive testimony, that soon brought a precious solemnity 
over the meeting; and many hearts were broken and contri- 
ted, and I took an affectionate farewell of the assembly in the 
fresh feelings of gospel love. As I was about to close the meet- 
ing, the same individual again rose, and began to oppose what 
had been said by me ; this so offended the people, Friends and 
others, that they rose up and went out in great numbers, he at 
the same time begging them to stay; but they refused and 
continued going out until he was discouraged and sat down. 



406 JOURNAL OP 

Soon after I closed the meeting, feeling very sorry for the people 
to see them so imposed upon. 

After this meeting we proceeded that afternoon about seven 
miles, on our way to Pittsburg. On second day we rode to 
Pittsburg, and lodged with Robert Townsend ; who, although 
not in membership with Friends, entertained us with much 
kindness and hospitality. The day following at evening, we 
had a large satisfactory meeting in their court-house, Friends 
having no meeting in that town. On fourth day we proceeded 
on our journey, crossing the Alleghany river at Pittsburg, and 
arrived that evening at a village, at the great falls of the river 
Beaver. The next day we had an appointed meeting there, 
held in a field under some trees, which made a comfortable 
shade, the weather being very warm, and Friends meeting- 
house much too small to contain the people who assembled. It 
was a very solemn opportunity, in which truth was raised into 
victory over all, and the people appeared thankful for the favour ; 
and I witnessed the consoling evidence of true peace, in faith- 
fully discharging my duty among them. 

After this favoured meeting, we went forward that afternoon 
towards Salem, in order to attend the quarterly meeting at that 
place, which opened the next day at the eleventh hour, with a 
meeting of Ministers and Elders. Friends met in a school-bouse 
which one of them had built on his own premises, with which, 
and a temporary shed that Friends put up adjoining to it, the 
meeting was pretty well accommodated. They conducted the 
business of the quarterly meeting in much unity and concord, 
and the Lord's presence was evidently felt to cover the assembly. 
The next day being first day, and as notice was spread of our 
being there, the meeting was very large. It was judged by 
Friends that upwards of two thousand people attended. It was 
a highly favoured season, in which I was enabled by Him, who 
when he opens none can shut, and when he shuts none can 
open, to declare the truth to the people in the demonstration of 
the spirit, and with a. power attending which brought a precious 
solemnity over the meeting, and many hearts were humbled 
and contrited. 



» ELIAS HICKS. 407 

The next day we had a meeting by appointment at Fairfield. 
This was also a very large meeting, many more assembled than 
the house could contain. I had a favoured time among them, 
and was made thankful for the opportunity, and had cause to 
believe my labour was not in vain. 

The day following we attended New Garden quarterly meet- 
ing. Here Friends had a trying time, as those called Orthodox, 
although they were but a small part of the meeting, had under- 
taken to disown a number of Friends ; but Friends did not 
acknowledge their authority, nor consider their disownments of 
any effect, and they all came together as usual in the quarterly 
meeting. The Orthodox strove hard to get Friends to withdraw, 
but they refused, and proceeded with the business of the meeting, 
which those called Orthodox interrupted for a time j but finding 
that Friends would not give way, they finally left the meeting, 
and retired to a school-house, and Friends had a comfortable 
season together, and conducted their business in much harmony 
and condescension, and were evidently ow T ned by the Head of the 
Church. 

I appointed a meeting on fourth day for the public at large, 
Friends, and others. A large number assembled ; many more 
than the house could contain. We had a precious meeting : the 
Lord's power prevailed in an eminent manner. It was a season 
thankfully to be remembered, and was truly an humbling time 
among the people. 

After this we proceeded to New Lisbon, to attend a meeting 
there the next day, which we had previously appointed. It was 
held out of doors, there being no house in the town sufficient to 
hold the people that Friends apprehended would assemble. Being 
aware of this, they erected a booth or shed, by setting up posts, 
on which they laid long poles, and covered them with branches 
of trees to make a shade, as the weather was very warm. Under 
this we had a very large favoured meeting, to the general satis- 
faction of the people, and peace of my ow 7 n mind. 

The two following days we attended meetings, by appointment, 
at Springfield and Goshen. Those called Orthodox had posses- 
sion of the meeting-houses at those places, and refused to admit 



408 JOURNAL OP 

us ; but although they could shut us out of the meeting-houses, 
yet they could not shut us out from the divine presence, for 
this was felt eminently to preside in both these highly favoured 
meetings. 

The next day, being first day and 17th of 8th month, we 
attended Marlborough meeting. It was very large, notice 
having been previously given of our intention to be there, so that 
hundreds assembled who could not get into the house. I had 
an open opportunity among them, to proclaim the everlasting 
gospel in the demonstration of the spirit, to the comfort and satis- 
faction of this large assembly, except those called Orthodox, who, 
when I sat down, made great opposition, which greatly offended 
the people. 

We then proceeded to Canton, a pretty large countiy town, 
and attended a meeting at the fourth hour in the afternoon, and 
notice was publicly given that we were to be there. As there 
were no members of our society in the town, the meeting was 
held in their court-house. Many of the respectable inhabitants 
attended, and information being given to Friends of Kendal, a 
small meeting about seven miles distant, most of them attended, 
and many other inhabitants of that place came also to the 
meeting. We had a favoured opportunity with them, and left 
them with peace. 

After this we returned to New Garden, and put up with our 
kind friend Nathan Galbreath. The next day being the fourth 
of the week, we rode to Salem, and attended Friends* monthly 
meeting, in which I was led to stir up Friends to faithfulness, in 
support of our religious testimonies, as the eyes of the people were 
upon us, watching our movements in this time of trial, Friends 
separating from each other, and setting, up separate meetings, 
which caused a great breach of unity and confusion in most of 
our meetings, which a few years previous thereto had been united 
together in the bonds of Christian fellowship ; but a few indi- 
viduals who had gained some influence in society, letting in the 
spirit, of jealousy, began to accuse some of their friends of pro- 
mulgating Unsound doctrines, without any just cause for so doing, 
by which they greatly disturbed the peace and quiet of society; 



ELIAS HICKS. 



409 



and being encouraged therein by several Friends from England, 
who as ministers, had obtained liberty from their friends at home, 
to come over on a visit to Friends in this country, they blew up 
the fire of discord, until they brought about a division in our 
once peaceful society; a small minority of which, in many 
places, separated themselves from the body, and set up separate 
meetings, assuming the names of the yearly, quarterly, and 
monthly meetings ; and these, in their presumption, have taken 
upon them to deal with and disown the great body of the 
society. 

The next day we returned to New Garden and attended 
Friends' monthly meeting there ; and the neighbouring inhabit- 
ants being apprized of our return, a great number came in, and 
greatly enlarged the meeting ; and He that openethj and none 
can shut, graciously condescended to open my mouth among 
them, in a large effective testimony to the truths of the gospel ; 
and many hearts were humbled and contrited. It appeared as a 
renewed visitation of the heavenly Father's love to Friends and 
others ; and it was a season gratefully to be remembered by all 
present ; for surely it was the Lord's doing, and marvellous in 
our eyes. 

The day following we had an appointed meeting at Sandy 
Spring, at the fourth hour in the afternoon. The meeting 
was very large, and favoured with the overshadowing wing 
of divine kindness ; and a precious solemnity pervaded the 
assembly, and my mind was opened to declare the truth to 
them, to the apparent satisfaction and comfort of the assembled 
multitude ; and I took leave of them with thankfulness and 
peace of mind. We remained here until the next morning 
and then proceeded on our journey to Richmond, about thirty 
five miles, where we took up our lodging at an inn. The next 
day being first day, and 24th of 8th month, we had an appointed 
meeting in the town. The inhabitants were mostly Presby- 
terians and Methodists. It was held in their school-house, a 
large convenient room. The people came in freely, and behaved 
with great propriety and order, and appeared to go away satis- 

52 



410 JOURNAL OF 

fied ; and I felt true peace in having faithfully, in gospel love, 
discharged myself among them. 

After this we proceeded about five miles on our way to Smith- 
field, and the next morning rode to that place ; but being some- 
what unwell, we rested there through the day, and the next 
day had an appointed meeting there, at the fourth hour in the 
afternoon. Those called Orthodox, shut the meeting-house 
against us; but Friends provided seats under the shade of 
trees, in an adjacent wood, where we had a very solemn, 
favoured meeting, in which the Lord's power prevailed over all 
in an eminent degree, and broke down all opposition, and many 
hearts were broken and contrited ; and we parted with them 
under a grateful sense of the Lord's mercy for the unmerited 
favour. 



ELI AS HICKS. 411 



CHAPTER XVIIL 

Continuation of his visit to Friends in some parts of Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, 
Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 1828. — Decease of his wife in 1829. — Visit 
to Friends in the yearly meeting of New- York in 1829. — Letter to Hugh Judge 
in 1830. — His decease in 1830. — Memorial of the monthly meeting of Jericho 
in 1830. 

On the 27th of 8th month, 1828, we proceeded on our jour- 
ney to Mount Pleasant, and attended on that day, their meeting 
in the middle of the week ; it was large, bj the attendance of 
many of the inhabitants who were not members of our society, 
and was, in the forepart, a solemn, quiet meeting ; but the latter 
part of it was disturbed and its usefulness marred, by a long, 
tedious communication from a minister among those called Or- 
thodox, w T ho, after I sat down, publicly opposed and endeavoured 
to lay waste what I had said. 

The next day we attended Short Creek meeting. Here also 
the meeting in the forepart, was truly a solemn season, in which 
I was favoured to open and declare many important truths of 
the gospel to the people, which brought a precious solemnity 
over the assembly, and many minds were contrited ; but an 
opposition from the same person who caused the disturbance the 
day before, again took place, much to the dissatisfaction of the 
principal part of those assembled. 

The next day being the sixth of the week, we attended an 
appointed meeting at Harrisville. Here we met with no inter- 
ruption. This was a large crowded meeting, and very solemn 
and quiet. I had an open time among the people to declare 
many things, both old and new ; setting forth the great declen- 
sion of the professed Christian Churches, from the simplicity 
and integrity of the primitive disciples ; and showing that it was 



412 JOURNAL OF 

all brought about by a departure from the only sure foundation 
of true and real Christianity, the light within, or spirit of 
truth, the immediate revelation of the spirit of God, in the 
immortal souls of men and women ; the only and alone true 
teacher of the things of God under the gospel. And as a depart- 
ure from this only sure guide, and turning back to the letter 
and external evidence, and building up, from these outward 
materials, many diverse systems of religion, in their own crea- 
turely wisdom, brought confusion and anarchy into the Church, 
which enveloped it in a state of midnight darkness and death, 
as to the life and spirit of real Christianity ; by which the worst of 
persecution, and the most cruel and sanguinary wars were intro- 
duced among Christians : so nothing short of a full and entire 
return to this only sure foundation and first principle, and placing 
an entire dependance thereon for our salvation, can ever produce 
a real restoration from the apostate state in which Christendom 
is at present involved. I' was also led to lay before the people 
the inconsistency and hurtful tendency of Bible and Missionary 
societies ; as believing them all to be set up and associated 
together in the will and wisdom of man, which never did, nor 
ever can, produce the righteousness of God, but tend to lead the 
mind down to a state of darkness and death, as a dependance 
on the letter and external evidence ever has, and ever will kill, 
as to the real spiritual life, agreeably to Paul's doctrine : u The 
letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." 

The next day we had an appointed meeting at Wesfgrove. 
The day following being the first of the week, and 31st of 8th 
month, we attended Concord meeting ; and the three following 
days attended meetings at St. Clairsville, Plainfield, and 
Wrightstown. These were all large satisfactory meetings, in 
which the gospel was preached to the people, and by the pttfrei 
attending, many hearts were broken and contrited ; and a pre- 
cious sense of the divine presence was felt to preside, to the com- 
fort and encouragement of the honest-hearted ; a sense of whirh 
inspired my mind with thanksgiving and gratitude, to the blessed 
Author of all our sure mercies. 



ELIAS HICKS. 413 

On fifth day, the 4th of 9th month, we had an appointed 
meeting at a place called Stillwater. It was a very large com- 
fortable meeting, and I had a full opportunity in an effective 
testimony, to ease my exercised mind among them, to the com- 
fort and apparent satisfaction of the people, both Friends and 
others. The next day we rode back to Mount Pleasant, and 
the day following being the seventh day of the week, and 6th 
of 9th month, the yearly meeting opened with a meeting of 
Ministers and Elders. When the time came for meeting, Friends 
gathered to the gate which led into the yard where the meeting- 
house stood, and found it guarded by a number of men of the 
opposing party, who refused to let us in ; and Friends had tcr 
hold their meeting in the open air, outside of the yard ; but after 
the first sitting, adjourned to a school-house near by, and after- 
wards held the remaining sittings in a private room, in Israel 
French's house. 

The next day and first of the week, we attended Mount 
Pleasant meeting in the morning, and that held at Short Creek 
in the afternoon. In the morning meeting Elisha Bates and 
Anna Braithwaite made great opposition, endeavouring by long 
and tedious communications to lay waste what I had previously 
communicated, which very much disturbed many present. But 
the afternoon meeting was not interrupted, as none of those 
opposers attended. 

On second day morning, the yearly meeting for discipline 
opened at the tenth hour. Not being present at this sitting, I 
was informed that great confusion and disorder took place ; both 
Friends and those called Orthodox wished to retain possession 
of the meeting-house, and both parties went on with their busi- 
ness with separate clerks, for some little time, when the Ortho- 
dox adjourned their meeting to ten o'clock the next day, and 
left the house in the possession of Friends, who then proceeded 
quietly on with the business of the meeting until some time in 
the afternoon, and then adjourned to nine o'clock the next day ; 
when they again met, and near the tenth hour a deputation 
from our opposing Friends came and demanded the use of the 
house, in the name of the yearly meeting of Ohio. Friends 



414 JOURNAL OF 

informed them that the yearly meeting was now sitting, and 
the doors were open, and they might come in ; and after some 
further requisition for Friends to withdraw, and give them the 
entire use of the house, which Friends could not think right to do, 
as being entirely unreasonable, they then went away and did not 
give Friends any more interruption in that way. But they had 
recourse to the law and prosecuted a number of Friends, some 
in an action for a pretended trespass, for going into their own 
meeting-house, and some as rioters ; and compelled them to 
leave their meeting and go before the magistrates, to answer for 
crimes they, without a just cause, had accused them of having 
committed. And a considerable number, it was said about 
thirty of their own principal members, such as Ministers and 
Elders, and other active members, left the sittings of their yearly 
meeting, and went to a town twenty miles distant, where they 
had compelled a number of Friends to attend, to be tried by the 
court then sitting, and were two days absent from the sittings 
of their meeting. After this they interrupted Friends no fur- 
ther, and Friends quietly proceeded with their business, and 
closed on sixth day. 

We proceeded on our journey next day to Flushing, and the 
day after being the first of the week, we attended Friends' 
meeting there ; and as notice had been given of our intention 
to be there, the meeting was very large, more than the house 
could contain. At this meeting those styled Orthodox made 
great opposition ; for as soon as I came near the meeting-house 
several of them met me, and desired I would not interrupt the 
meeting: and soon after the meeting was gathered, before it 
became fully settled, Charles Osborn, an Orthodox minister, 
kneeled in supplication and continued on his knees, I believe, 
more than an hour. It was truly a distressing scene, and it 
greatly disturbed the meeting ; and very soon after he took his 
seat, he rose and began to preach, and continued for more than 
an hour. However, when he sat down, although I he meeting was 
much wearied with his long and tedious communications, I felt 
the necessity of standing up and addressing the people, which 
brought a precious solemnity over (lie meeting j but as soon as 



ELIAS HICKS'. 415 

I sat down, he rose again to contradict, and tried to lay waste 
my communication, by asserting that I had not the unity of my 
friends at home ; which being untrue, I therefore informed the 
meeting that I had certificates with me to prove the incorrect- 
ness of his assertions, which I then produced, but he and his 
party would not stay to hear them, but in a disorderly manner 
arose and left the meeting ; but the people generally stayed and 
heard them read, to their general satisfaction. 

The next day we went to Cambridge, about thirty-seven 
miles ; and the day following rode to Zanesville, twenty-four 
miles, and had an appointed meeting there in the evening, held 
in their court-house, a large room, but not sufficient to contain 
all the people who assembled. It was a very solemn instructive 
opportunity, and I parted with them under a thankful sense of 
the favour, and with peace of mind. The two following days 
we rode to Wilmington, and put up with our friend Warren 
Sabin, where we lodged the two next nights. 

On seventh day the 20th of 9th month, we rode to Centre, 
and attended Friends' monthly meeting, composed of the pre- 
parative meetings of Centre and Wilmington. It was the first 
monthly meeting they had held since the separation ; and notice 
being given of our attendance, the meeting for worship was 
very large, more than the house could contain ; and the Lord, 
our never-failing helper manifested his presence, solemnizing 
the assembly and opening the minds of the people to receive the 
word preached ; breaking down all opposition, and humbling 
and contriting the assembly in a very general manner ; and we 
parted from each other with grateful hearts, from an humbling 
sense of the unmerited favour. 

We returned that evening to Wilmington, and the next day 
attended Friends' meeting in that town ; and as their meeting- 
house was small, Friends procured the court-house in that place 
to hold the meeting in. The meeting was very large, and we 
had a very favoured opportunity to declare the truth among 
them, to their general satisfaction ; and the honest-hearted were 
comforted and edified, and Friends were made to rejoice for the 
unmerited "favour. At the fourth hour in the afternoon, we had 



416 JOURNAL OF 

an appointed meeting at a place called Lital's Creek, a short dis- 
tance from Wilmington. Here we had a favoured opportunity 
with the people, greatly to their satisfaction. 

The next day being the second of the week, and 22d of the 
month, we proceeded on to Springfield. Here those called 
Orthodox shut the meeting-house and set guards at the doors 
to keep us out, and we held our meeting under some trees near 
by. It was a precious season, wherein the Lord's power and 
love were exalted over all opposition, and many minds were 
humbled and contrited ; and thanksgiving and praise were 
ascribed to His great and adorable name, who is over all, blessed 
for ever. 

We had a favoured meeting the day after, at a place called 
the Grove. Friends' meeting-house there being small, we had 
to hold the meeting out of doors to accommodate the people. It 
was a very satisfactory opportunity. The following day we had 
an appointed meeting at Lebanon, a pretty large country town, 
where there were no members of our society, but many sober 
people. It was held in the court-house, but it was not suffi- 
cient to contain the people ; about one third of those who assem- 
bled had to stand out of doors. It was an instructive opportu- 
nity; many gospel truths were opened to the people, and they 
appeared to go away well satisfied ; and I parted from them 
with true peace of mind. 

On seventh day, the 27th of the month, we attended the 
opening of Indiana yearly meeting, with the first sitting of the 
meeting of Ministers and Elders ; and although small, it was 
a favoured encouraging opportunity to the few who assembled. 
The next day, being first day, a large concourse assembled with 
Friends. A great number had to stand without, although the 
house was very large. And he that operxeth and none can shut, 
and when lie shulteth none can open, opened nay mouth among 
them in s large effective testimony to the (ruths of the gospel ; 
in winch, through adorable, condescension, I was enabled to 
bring fori.}], out, of the Lord's treasury, things new and old ; and 

trilth was raised into dominion over all. to Hie comfort, and 

rejoicing of the honest-hearted, and to (lie apparent 'satisfaction 



ELIAS HICKS. 417 

and edification of the people in general. Surely it was the 
Lord's doing, and it was marvellous in our eyes. The next day 
the meeting for discipline opened, and continued by adjourn- 
ments until sixth day evening; and Friends were favoured, 
through the several sittings, to conduct the business in much 
harmony and brotherly condescension. 

The day after, we proceeded on our journey towards Rich- 
mond, in Indiana ; attending meetings on our way, at Spring- 
borough, Elk, Westfield, and Eaton. All these were seasons 
of favour, the Lord graciously manifesting his presence for our 
help. Blessed be his great and excellent name, for his mercy 
endureth for ever. 

From Eaton we rode home with our kind friends John and 
Elizabeth Barnes, and lodged. The next day, being the fourth 
of the week, and 8th of 10th month, we rode to Richmond, 
where those called Orthodox were holding their yearly meeting ; 
and as this day was the time for holding a meeting for worship, 
notice was given of our intention of being there. It was very 
large, and proved, through adorable condescension, a solemn 
heart-tendering season, in which truth reigned over all. 

The three following days we attended meetings by our ap- 
pointment, at Centreville, West Union and Milford. After this 
we returned again to Richmond, in order, agreeably to appoint- 
ment, to attend their first day meeting. It was large like the 
former ; a multitude of people assembled ; and was a precious 
meeting, in which truth was triumphant, and ran as oil over 
the assembly, breaking down all opposition, and melting a 
great portion of the assembly into tears of contrition. Surely 
it was the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes \ and to him 
belongeth all the praise, who is over all, blessed for ever. 

We parted from them with solid satisfaction, and peace of 
mind ; and after dinner took a solemn and very affectionate 
leave of our friends, and rode on our journey about four miles, 
and spent the evening at the house of our esteemed friend 
Benjamin Stokes. We returned and lodged with our kind 
friend John Barnes ; and the following day attended a meeting, 
by our appointment, at a place called the Ridge; it was a com- 

53 



418 



JOURNAL OF 



fortable opportunity. The next day we attended a meeting at 
Orange. Here those called Orthodox made great disturbance, 
and hurt the meeting very considerably. The day after, we 
had a meeting at a place called Silver Creek. This was a 
precious meeting, in which truth reigned over all. 

We then proceeded on our journey towards Cincinnati, and 
arrived there on seventh day, the 18th of 10th month. The 
next day being first day, we attended Friends' meeting at that 
place, at the usual time, which was very large, many more 
attending than the house could contain : and at three o'clock in 
the afternoon, we appointed a meeting to be held in the .court- 
house. Both these meetings were highly favoured seasons, in 
which truth was raised into dominion over all opposition, to the 
praise of Him, who is calling us to glory and to virtue. 

On second day morning we proceeded on our journey, towards 
home ; and attending meetings in our way, in the course of the 
week, at Salt Creek, Salem, alias Rochester, Newberry, and Clear 
Creek. All these meetings were composed of people of varied pro- 
fessions, to whom the gospel was preached in the demonstration 
of the spirit, attended with a power which silenced all opposition, 
humbling and contriting many hearts, without respect of per- 
sons or sects ; and Friends were comforted together, and made 
to rejoice for the unmerited favour ; and we parted from them 
under a thankful sense of the Lord's mercy, and with peace of 
mind. 

The next day being first day, and 26th of 10th month, we 
attended Fairfield meeting ; and notice being given of our 
intention of attending it, the meeting was very large. Here 
those called Orthodox made public opposition in the early part 
of the meeting ; one of them informing the assembly that I was 
travelling without having the unity of my Friends, and other 
incorrect declarations, which I passed over without notice at the 
time. The meeting was soon gathered into a solemn quiet, and 
1 had a favoured opportunity to declare the truth among them, 
which was raised into dominion, and many hearts were hum- 
bled and contritcd. Before, however, I had ^concluded my 
communication, those called Orthodox, to manifest further dis- 



ELIAS HICKS. 419 

unity, rose and left the meeting ; but Friends and others kept 
their seats, and we had a very solemn close, and great broken- 
ness and contrition were manifest among the people ; and to 
do away the false reports spread by the Orthodox, I had my cer- 
tificates read, which gave full satisfaction to the assembly; and 
we took an affectionate farewell of our friends and others present. 
We then proceeded on our journey to Wheeling in Virginia, a 
town situated on the east side of Ohio river. We arrived here 
on sixth day, the 31st, a little before noon, and had an appointed 
meeting in the evening. As Friends have no meeting-house in 
this place, it was held in the Methodist meeting-house, which 
they kindly offered of their own accord. It. was a pretty large 
collection of people, mostly made up of other societies, the num- 
ber of Friends there being very small, insomuch that they have 
no steady meeting in the place. It was a comfortable, favoured 
opportunity. 

We left them with peace of mind, and proceeded on our jour- 
ney to Westland, in the limits of Redstone quarterly meeting, 
where we arrived on first day, the 2d of 11th month, in time to 
attend their meeting. It was a very solemn edifying opportunity, 
in which the power of truth was exalted over all opposition. 
After this we proceeded on to Redstone, about seven miles, cross- 
ing the Monongahela river in the way; and the next day had 
an appointed meeting in that town, at two o'clock in the after- 
noon. 

The day after we passed on towards Waterford, alias Fairfax, 
in Virginia, where we arrived on first day the 9th of 11th month, 
and attended their meeting at the usual hour. At twb o'clock 
in the afternoon, we had an appointed meeting for the inhabitants 
of the town in general; and the two following days attended 
meetings, by appointment, at Goose Creek and Southwest Fork. 
These were all large favoured meetings, particularly the two last, 
wherein I was led to expose the great evil of oppression, especially 
that enormous sin of holding our fellow creatures in slavery. 
Although in my communication I was led to lay judgment to 
the line, and justice to the plumb line ; yet the slave-holders, 
divers of whom were present, were so brought down and humbled 



420 JOURNAL OP 

with the force and correctness of the testimony, that they frankly 
acknowledged the truth and propriety of it; and we parted from 
them with true peace of mind, and the honest-hearted were made 
to rejoice for the favour dispensed from the hand of the gracious 
Benefactor of every blessing. 

The next day we rode to Alexandria, forty-three miles, and 
lodged with our kind friend Phineas Janney, and the day after 
attended their meeting as it came in course, and in the evening 
had another meeting for the inhabitants of the town in general. 
These were opportunities of favour : many truths of the gospel 
were set forth before the people, in the demonstration of the 
spirit, which brought a solemnity over the assembly, to the com- 
fort and edification of the upright in heart. The next day we 
rode to Washington, and attended a meeting there in the eve- 
ning. This was rather a trying season in the forepart, but, I 
trust, it ended well. 

We then proceeded to Sandy Spring, in Maryland, and on 
first day, the 16th of 11th month, attended Friends' meeting 
there ] and notice being given of our expectation of attending it, 
the meeting was large ; and through condescending goodness, it 
proved to be a very favoured instructive season, and I parted with 
them with a thankful heart, and true peace of mind. The next 
day we proceeded on our journey to Elk Ridge, and lodged with 
our kind friend George Ellicot ; and the day following being third 
day, we had, by appointment, a very comfortable, favoured meet- 
ing with Friends : many of the neighbouring inhabitants likewise 
attended, and appeared well satisfied with the opportunity. Many 
minds were humbled and contrited, and a precious solemnity 
prevailed over the meeting. 

After this meeting we dined at our lodgings, and that after- 
noon proceeded in company with our kind friend John Marsh, 
who met us at this meeting, six miles on our way to Baltimore, 
and lodged at his house. In the morning we rode into the city, 
and on that and the following day attended Friends' meetings 
held in the middle of the week, at the upper and lower houses ; 
and not feeling fully clear, on sixth day evening, we had an 
appointed meeting for the inhabitants of the town in general, at 



ELIAS HICKS. 421 

the upper house. This was a very large meeting, made up of 
almost every class of the people, among whom, as to religious pro- 
fession, were Romanists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists, 
Methodists, Unitarians, and others of divers descriptions, and some 
slave-holders. These meetings were seasons of favour, particularly 
the last, in which truth in a very extraordinary manner was 
raised into victory over all, bowing and breaking down all under 
its baptizing influence, so that it appeared as though the whole 
assembly were baptized into one body ; and when the meeting 
closed, all seemed desirous to take me by the hand. Surely it 
was the Lord's doing, and marvellous in mine eyes ; and I parted 
with them with gratitude and thankfulness of heart. 

The day following we rode to Gunpowder Falls ; and the 
next day being first day, and 23d of the 11th month, we 
attended Friends' meeting there ; and information being given 
of our intention of attending it, the meeting was large, and 
through the condescending goodness of Israel's unslumbering 
Shepherd, whose mercy is over all his works, it proved a precious 
favoured opportunity, in which many hearts were humbled and 
contrited, and truth was raised into dominion. The day follow- 
ing we went to the Little Falls, and on third day, the 25th, 
attended Friends' meeting in that place, and the day after 
attended Deer Creek meeting. These were very large favoured 
opportunities. After this we proceeded on our journey, crossing 
the river Susquehannah on our way to Little Britain ; and on 
the three following days we attended meetings at Little Britain, 
West and East Nottingham. These were seasons to be remem- 
bered, in which the Lord's power was eminently manifested 
by its solemnizing influence. Surely it was the Lord's doing. 

On second day, the 1st of 12th month, we proceeded to West 
Grove, in Chester county. Here our opposing brethren shut 
the meeting-house against us, and the care-taker of it refused 
to open it. However, when the people assembled, which they 
did in great numbers, many more than the house could contain, 
it was opened ; and we had a very favoured, solemn opportunity 
with. them, in which truth reigned over all. The three follow- 
ing days we attended the monthly meetings of London Grove, 



422 JOTTRNAL OP 

New Garden, and Fallowfield, as they came in their usual 
course ; and notice being given, of our attending them, to the 
neighbouring inhabitants, great numbers of the varied classes 
of the people assembled with Friends ; insomuch that none of 
the houses were large enough to contain the multitude, and in 
some instances there were nearly as many standing without as 
the houses contained. These were all highly favoured seasons, 
the Lord's power evidently presiding over these large assemblies, 
solemnizing and humbling with its overshadowing influence, 
and causing a profound silence to prevail over all, to the praise 
of him who is over all, God blessed for ever. 

On the two following days we attended meetings at Marl- 
borough and West Chester. The first was by our appointment, 
the latter on first day. These meetings were like the former; 
great numbers attended more than the houses could contain : 
nevertheless, order and stillness prevailed in a remarkable 
manner in and without the houses, in every place, to the comfort 
and rejoicing of Friends, and to the instruction and edification, 
I trust, of the assembled multitudes. We took leave of them 
under an humbling sense of the unmerited favour, and with 
true peace of mind. 

On second day, the 8th of the month, we attended Kennet 
meeting, and on third and fourth days we had meetings at 
Kennet Square and Centre. These were all crowded meetings, 
and in them all the divine presence was felt to preside, solem- 
nizing the assemblies, and comforting and rejoicing the honest- 
hearted. 

On fifth and sixth days we attended meetings at Hockesson 
and Stanton. Both were crowded, solemn meetings, and, I 
trust, instructive and profitable to many who were present. After 
the latter, we rode that afternoon to Wilmington, and rested on 
seventh day with our friend William Poole, who was in a weak 
state from bodily indisposition, but was so far recovered as to 
walk about. On first day, the 14th, we attended Friends' 
meetings in Wilmington, both forenoon and afternoon. They 
were both very large. In the forenoon meeting I had' good 
service, but in the afternoon I was mostly silent, as the people 



ELIAS HICKS. 



423 



appeared to be too much hungering for words, and too indifferent 
and careless in putting in practice what they had already heard 
and knew to be their duty. Hence I was led to set them an 
example of silence. 

We left Wilmington on second day morning, and proceeded 
to Concord, and attended a meeting there by previous appoint- 
ment. The four following days we attended meetings at Middle- 
town, Providence, Chester, and Darby. These were all very 
large favoured opportunities, in which the Lord's power was 
felt to preside, causing a precious solemnity to spread over the 
assemblies, and humbling and contriting many minds. To the 
Lord be the praise and glory of his own work ; nothing due to 
man. 

Leaving Darby, we proceeded on to Philadelphia ; and on 
first day, the 21st of 12th month, we attended Friends' meetings 
in the city, that at Cherry-street in the morning, and at Green- 
street in the afternoon. At both these meetings hundreds more 
assembled than the houses could contain. On second day we 
left the city, and attended meetings, in the course of the week, 
at Haverford, Radnor, Newtown, Willistown, and the Yalley. 
All these meetings were unusually large; the houses were 
generally too small to contain the people ; many had to stand 
out of doors for want of room ; nevertheless, the people behaved 
orderly, and the Lord's presence was felt to preside, solemnizing 
those crowded assemblies, in all of which my mind was opened, 
and ability afforded, to preach the gospel to the people in the 
demonstration of the spirit and with power, and many hearts 
were broken and contrited, and went away rejoicing, under a 
thankful sense of the unmerited favour. 

After this we returned to the city, and on first day, the 28th 
of the month, we again attended Friends' meetings there, in the 
same order as before. On second day we attended Frankfort 
meeting by appointment. These were all large favoured meet- 
ings ; many had to leave those in the city for want of room. 
My opposing brethren had, by their public opposition and erro- 
neous reports, created such excitement in the minds of the people 
generally of every profession, that it induced multitudes to assem- 



424 JOURNAL OF 

ble to hear for themselves ; and they generally went away satis- 
fied and comforted. 

On third day we took leave of our friends in Philadelphia, 
and passed over into New Jersey ; and the four following days 
attended meetings at Mullica Hill, Piles Grove, Salem, and 
Woodbury. These were very large favoured meetings ; and I 
felt true peace of mind as a rich reward for my labour and 
exercise among them. 

We attended Haddonfield meeting on first day, the 4th of 1st 
month, 1829. Here Friends, and those who styled themselves 
Orthodox, met together in the same house. As notice was 
given of my attendance, the people assembled in great numbers ; 
and as soon as the meeting was fully gathered, a precious 
solemnity was felt to spread over the assembly ; and the Lord, 
our gracious helper, was near for our support and strength, and 
the truth was raised triumphantly over all opposition. 

The four following days we attended meetings at Moore's 
Town, Evesham, Cropwell, Mount Holly, and Upper Evesham. 
These were very large meetings, in which the Lord our gracious 
helper made bare his arm for our support, enabling to hand forth 
out of the treasury things new and old, to the comfort and edifi- 
cation of the honest-hearted, and solid peace of my own mind ; 
to Him be all the praise, nothing due to man. 

On first day the 11th, we attended Friends' meeting at Ran- 
cocus. This was said to be the largest meeting ever known in 
that place ; in which the Lord's presence was felt to preside, 
humbling and contriting many minds, and baptizing the whole 
assembly into a very precious solemnity ; and causing the 
upright in heart to rejoice, Under a thankful sense of the 
unmerited favour. 

In the course of this week we attended meetings at Old 
Springfield on second day, Mansfield on third day, Upper Spring- 
field on fourth day, Arncy's Town on fifth day, Crosswicks, 
alias Chesterfield on sixth day, Bordentown on seventh day, 
and Trenton on first day. All these were favoured opportuni- 
ties, and in them all, although under considerable indisposition 
of body, 1 was favoured with strength, and way opened to labour 



KLTAS HICK- 425 

in the Lord's cause in which I was engaged, and which pro- 
duced that true peace of mind, that the world with all its perish- 
ing- enjoyments cannot give, nor all its frowns and opposition 
take away. 

On second day we proceeded on our journey towards New- 
York, being desirous of reaching our quarterly meeting to be 
held there on the following fifth day. We arrived in the city 
on third day afternoon, where I met my beloved wife and 
daughter Elizabeth, and several other branches of my family, 
and a number more of my near and intimate friends. It was 
truly a season of mutual rejoicing, and my spirit was deeply 
humbled under a thankful sense of the Lord's preserving power 
and adorable mercy, in carrying me through and over all oppo- 
sition, both within and without. He caused all to work together 
for good, and the promotion of his own glorious cause of truth 
and righteousness in the earth, and landed me safe in the bosom 
of my dear family and friends at home, and clothed my spirit with 
the reward of sweet peace for all my labour and travail. Praises, 
everlasting high praises, be ascribed unto our God, for his mercy 
endureth for ever. 

On seventh day, after the quarterly meeting we returned 
home, having been out on this journey seven months and ten 
days, and travelled nearly twenty-four hundred miles. 

Soon after my return from the aforesaid journey, I had to ex- 
perience a very severe trial and affliction in the removal of my 
dearly beloved wife. She was taken down with a cold, and 
although, for a number of days, we had no anticipation of dan- 
ger from her complaint, yet about five days after she was taken, 
the disorder appeared to settle on her lungs, and it brought on 
an inflammation which terminated in a dissolution of her pre- 
cious life, on the ninth day from the time she was taken ill. 
She had but little bodily pain, yet as she became weaker, she 
suffered from shortness of breathing ; but before her close, she 
became perfectly tranquil and easy, and passed away like a lamb, 
as though entering into a sweet sleep, without sigh or groan, or 
the least bodily pain, on the 17th of 3d month, 1S29 : And her 
precious spirit, I trust and believe, has landed safely on the an- 

54 



426 



JOURNAL OF 



gelic shore, " where the wicked cease from troubling, and the 
weary are at rest." To myself, to whom she was a truly affec- 
tionate wife, and to our children, whom she endeavoured, by 
precept and example, to train up in the paths of virtue, and to 
guard and keep out of harm's way, her removal is a great 
and irreparable loss : and nothing is left to us in that behalf, 
but a confident belief, and an unshaken hope, that our great 
loss is her still greater gain ; and although the loss and trial as 
to all my external blessings, are the greatest I have ever met 
with, or ever expect to have to endure, yet I have a hope, that, 
though separated, I maybe preserved from mourning or complain- 
ing ; and that I may continually keep in view the unmerited 
favour dispensed to us, by being preserved together fifty-eight 
years in one unbroken bond of endeared affection, which seemed 
if possible to increase with time to the last moment of her life ; 
and which neither time nor distance can lessen or dissolve ; but 
in the spiritual relation I trust it will endure for ever, where all 
the Lord's redeemed children are one in him, who is God over 
all, in all, and through all, blessed for ever. She was buried 
on the 19th, and on this solemn occasion, the Lord, who is 
strength in weakness, enabled me to bear a public, and I trust a 
profitable testimony, to the virtues and excellences of her long 
and consistent life. 

On the 24th of 6th month, 1829, I again left home with 
Cornwell Willis for my companion, to complete the visit to 
Friends and others in the compass of our yearly meeting, agree- 
ably to a certificate I received from our monthly and quarterly 
meetings, expressive of their unity with me therein. This cer- 
tificate I received in the spring of the year 1828, expressive of 
my concern to pay a religious visit to Friends and others, in parts 
of the yearly meetings of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Virginia, 
Ohio, Indiana, and New- York. I accomplished my visit to the 
first four last season ; that is, I visited parts of them, but found 
my mind released without going into the yearly meeting of 
Virginia. 

Since I left home, we have attended meetings at Flushing, 
Newtown, Brooklyn, and two at New-York last first day. These 



ELTAS TUCKS. 



427 



were favoured comforting opportunities, affording encouragement 
to persevere in the path of duty. 

We left New-York on second day the 29th, after taking an 
affectionate farewell of our friends there, and proceeded to West 
Chester, and attended a meeting at that place at the eleventh 
hour ; and on the two following days, attended meetings at 
Mamaroneck and Purchase. On fifth day we attended Friends' 
meeting at Middlesex; and on sixth and seventh days, had 
meetings appointed for us at a place called the Saw Pits, and at 
Friends' meeting-house at North Castle. All these meetings 
were seasons of favour, in which the divine presence was felt to 
preside, solemnizing the assemblies, and affording ability to 
minister to the people in gospel authority, and tendering and 
contriting many hearts. To the Lord be all the praise, nothing 
due to man. 

On first day, the 5th of 7th month, we attended Shapaqua 
meeting in the morning, and had an appointed meeting at 
Croton Valley, at the fourth hour in the afternoon. The three 
following days we attended meetings by appointment at Ama- 
walk, Salem, and at the Valley, called Haviland's Hollow. 
These were all unusually large meetings, in which truth reigned 
over all, to the praise of His great name, who giveth us the 
victory. From the latter meeting we proceeded to Oblong, and 
put up with our kind friend Daniel Merritt, and the next day 
attended their meeting. The two following days we had meet- 
ings by our appointment at the Branch, and Poughquague; 
and on first day attended Nine Partners meeting. Those four 
meetings were unusually large, and very solemn opportunities ; 
in which truth's testimony went forth freely, tendering and 
contriting many hearts, and rejoicing the faithful travellers 
Z ion ward. 

The two following days, we had meetings at Chestnut Ridge 
and Oswego. These were likewise large satisfactory meetings. 
We then proceeded by the way of Poughkeepsie, to Marlborough, 
in order to attend Cornwall quarterly meeting, held at Marlbo- 
rough at this time. It opened on fourth day, the 15th of 7th 
month, with a meeting of Ministers and Elders. The next day 



428 JOURNAL OF 

the meeting for discipline was held. Both were very favoured 
seasons. As I did not feel easy to leave the place without 
having a public opportunity with the people at large in that 
neighbourhood, a meeting was appointed the next day. This 
was likewise a large favoured opportunity. The following 
day being seventh clay, we returned to Poughkeepsie, in order 
to attend Friends' meeting on first day; and having also 
appointed a meeting to be held there, at the fifth hour in the 
afternoon, for the inhabitants of the town at large. These 
meetings were largely attended, in which the power of truth 
was exalted over all. 

The four following days we attended meetings at West 
Branch, Pleasant Valley, Creek, and Crumelbow. Although 
it was in the midst of harvest, such was the excitement produced 
amongst the people by the opposition made by those of our 
members who had gone off from us, and set up- separate meet- 
ings, that the people at large of other societies flocked to those 
meetings in such numbers, that our meeting-houses were seldom 
large enough to contain the assembled multitude ; and we had 
abundant cause for thanksgiving and gratitude to the blessed 
Author of all our mercies, in condescending to manifest his holy 
presence, and causing it so to preside as to produce a general 
solemnity, tendering and contriting many minds, and comfort- 
ing and rejoicing the upright in heart. 

After the last mentioned meeting we proceeded on our jour- 
ney, attending meetings at Stanford, Milan, and on first day the 
26th of 7th month, the forenoon and afternoon meetings at 
Hudson. On second day we rested, on third day attended a 
meeting at Athens, on fourth day at Ghent, on fifth day at 
Chatham, on sixth day at Nassau, and on seventh day evening 
we had a large meeting in Albany, held in their state-house, 
generally composed of people of other professions and inhabitants 
of the town, who behaved themselves very soberly, becoming 
the occasion. It was a solemn, and, I trust, a profitable oppor- 
tunity, in which truth was raised into dominion ; and which 
in like manner was witnessed in all the foregoing meetings, the 
people coming together very freely and in great numbers, and 



elias hicks. 429 

a general solemnity prevailed over the assemblies from meeting 
to meeting. Surely it was the Lord's doing, and it was mar- 
vellous in our eyes ; witnessing that he had not left himself with- 
out an evidence of the truth in each mind, hy which their 
understandings were opened to receive, and many of them to 
bear testimony to the doctrines delivered in those large solemn 
meetings. 

From Albany we proceeded on first day morning, the 2d of 
Sth month, to Troy, and attended their forenoon and afternoon 
meetings. These were very large meetings. The first was 
held in Friends' meeting-house, but great numbers collected 
more than the house could contain : this induced Friends to 
accept the offer of a house belonging to the Episcopalians, which 
was not occupied, for the accommodation of the afternoon meet- 
ing. They gave the citizens an invitation to attend ; and 
although it was a very large building, yet it did not contain the 
people who assembled, many had to go away for want of room. 
This was likewise a highly favoured opportunity, in which truth 
reigned to the comfort and edification of the upright in heart, 
and to the general satisfaction of the assembled multitude. It 
was, in the estimation of Friends, the largest meeting which 
had ever been assembled on any occasion before in that city. 

On second day we had an appointed meeting at Greenbush, 
a village on the east side of the river, opposite Albany. After 
this we proceeded on our journey about eleven miles to the town 
of Bethlehem, southwesterly from Albany. Here we lodged 
with our kind friend Thomas Rush more, and attended a meet- 
ing in his house by appointment, on third day ; the few Friends 
of that place were privileged with holding a meeting for worship 
in this Friends' house. On fourth day we attended Friends' 
meeting at Stanton Hill ; and the three following days attended 
meetings at New Baltimore, Rensselaerville, and Oak Hill. 
These were all large satisfactory meetings. 

On first day we were at Bern meeting in the morning ; and at 
the fourth hour in the afternoon had an appointed meeting at 
a village called Rensselaerville City, which was held in a large 
meeting-house belonging to the Methodist society. These were 



430 



JOURNAL OF 



very large favoured meetings, in which the truths of the gospel 
went forth freely to the people, and appeared to be gladly and 
satisfactorily received by them ; and I took leave of them with 
true peace of mind. On second day we had an appointed meeting 
at Middleburgh, much to our satisfaction. It was a very solemn 
instructive opportunity, and the people appeared to receive the 
word preached with much readiness of mind, and we left them 
with thankful hearts. 

We proceeded on third day to Duanesburgh, in order to attend 
their quarterly meeting, which opened there the next day with 
a meeting of Ministers and Elders, and was a favoured opportu- 
nity. The meeting for discipline was large, and the business 
conducted in much harmony and condescension ; and the public 
meeting the next day was very large ; hundreds had to stand 
out of doors for want of room ; and it was a highly favoured 
season, worthy of grateful remembrance. 

Prom thence we proceeded to Charleston, and attended 
Friends' meeting there on first day, the 16th of 8th month. This 
was likewise a very large meeting, the largest, Friends said, that 
had ever been known there before. It was judged, that as many 
stood without for want of room, as the house contained ; and it 
was a very solemn time, both within and without the doors. 
The divine canopy was felt to spread over the whole assembly, 
and we took leave of them with true peace of mind and thank- 
fulness of heart, under a grateful sense of the unmerited favour. 
On second day we rode to Utica ; and the next day had an 
appointed meeting there at the eleventh hour. After this we 
proceeded to Bridgewater, and attended their fourth day meeting. 
These were not so large as in some other places, neither was 
there as much openness to receive our testimony as had generally 
been the case elsewhere. Our opposing Friends had filled their 
heads with so many strange reports, to which they had given 
credit without examination, by which their minds were so 
strongly prejudiced against ine, that many in the compass of 
these two last meetings, were not willing to see me, nor hear 
any reasons given to show them their mistakes, and that the 
reports they had heard were altogether unfounded : however, 



EL I AS HICKS. 431 

I was favoured to communicate the truth to those who attended, 
so that they generally went away fully satisfied, and I left them 
with peace of mind. 

From this place we proceeded to Deruyter, having a meeting 
at Smyrna, on sixth day, in our way. On first day we attended 
Friends' meeting at Deruyter in the morning, and at the fifth 
hour in the afternoon had an appointed meeting in Deruyter 
village for the inhabitants generally, which was held in the 
Baptist meeting-house. These two meetings were very large, 
and they were highly favoured opportunities, in which truth 
was raised into dominion over all opposition ; and we parted 
from them with true peace of mind, a rich reward for a faithful 
discharge of duty. 

The next day, the 24th of 8th month, we proceeded to Sem- 
pronius, having a meeting by previous appointment on our way, 
in the town of Homer, at the eleventh hour. It was held in a 
large meeting-house belonging to the Methodist society, which 
they freely offered for the accommodation of the people, there 
being no Friends in the place. A very considerable number of 
the inhabitants attended, and behaved soberly, giving good 
attention to what was communicated, and went aw r ay apparently 
satisfied ; and we parted with them under an humbling sense 
that the appointment, and our labour and service in this meet- 
ing, were owned by the Head of the Church. We arrived at 
Sempronius about sunset, and had an appointed meeting there 
the next day, held in Friends' meeting-house at the third hour 
in the afternoon. This was likewise a favoured opportunity, in 
which the power of truth went forth freely, humbling and con- 
triting many minds. 

After this we proceeded to Skeneateles, and put up with our 
kind friend William Willets, and rested here the next day. On 
fifth day we attended Friends' meeting at this place, as it came 
in course ; and notice being given of our intention of attending 
it, the meeting was large. This was a very comforting satisfac- 
tory opportunity, apparently so to all present, although composed 
of many of the members of the varied societies of professed Chris- 
tians common in our land, and divers of their ministers. 



432 JOURNAL OP 

On sixth day we had an appointed meeting in the town of 
Auburn, at the third hour in the afternoon ; and on seventh day, 
an appointed meeting at North-street, in Scipio. These meetings 
were largely attended, and, I trust, instructive profitable opportu- 
nities to many who were there. After the latter meeting, we 
visited several families of Friends, and took lodgings with our 
kind friend John Merritt. 

The next day being the first of the week, and 30th of 8th 
month, we attended the meeting at South-street. The three 
following days we had meetings, by appointment, at Salmon 
Creek, Aurora, and Union Springs. These were all very large 
favoured meetings, in which the power of truth went forth freely, 
and appeared to have a ready entrance into the minds of the 
people in a very general manner, bringing a very comfortable 
solemnity over these large assemblies; and we took leave of 
them with thankful hearts and in true peace of mind. 

We then proceeded on our journey to Junius, crossing Cayuga 
lake on the way. Here we had a meeting the next day, the 
fifth of the week, and 3d of 9th month ; and the day following 
had an appointed meeting at Galen. These were highly favoured 
opportunities, in which the Lord's presence was felt to preside, 
reducing the assemblies into a very solemn state, and truth was 
raised into dominion over all, to the comfort and establishment of 
Friends on the ancient foundation, the light within ; by the 
power and efficacy of which, our primitive worthies were gathered 
to be a people, from among the varied societies of professed Chris- 
tians. For they were settled on that unshaken rock, which 
Jesus told his disciples he would build his Church upon, viz : the 
revelation of his heavenly Father, against which the gates of 
hell should never be able to prevail ; and although the powers 
of the ea/th rose up against them, and used all their power and 
policy, both priests and people, to overthrow them, yet they were 
never permitted to prevail ; for the Lord Jehovah, on whose 
almighty arm they had placed their entire trust and confidence 
for support and defence, delivered them from all their tribulations, 
and set them above their persecutors, and caused them to rejoice 
on the banks of deliverance. And he is the same God of power 



ELIAS HICKS. 433 

that lie ever was, and a present helper in every needful time ; 
and although many in the present day, who have left their first 
love, are rising up, and charging their fellow-professors with 
holding unsound doctrines, and are endeavouring, by unfounded 
and reproachful epithets, to destroy and undermine their religious 
and moral character among men, and have separated from their 
brethren, and set up separate meetings, giving them the names 
of the meetings of Friends ; and in their usurped authority under- 
take to disown their fellow-members, who could not submit to 
their usurpation : yet all then formal disownments being alto- 
gether out of the order of the gospel, our meetings consider them 
of no effect. 

From Galen we proceeded to South Farmington, and attended 
a meeting there on seventh day, at the third hour in the after- 
noon ; and the next day being first day, we attended North 
Farmington meeting. The three following days we had meet- 
ings at Macedon, Palmyra, and Williamson. These were like- 
wise large favoured meetings, in which truth was exalted over 
all, and we parted with them in true peace of mind, and pro- 
ceeded on our journey to Rochester, and had a meeting on sixth 
day, by appointment : we also staid and attended their meeting 
on first day. 

After this we proceeded to Wheatland, and had an appointed 
meeting there on second day, the 14th of 9th month ; on third 
day we were at Henrietta, and on fourth day at Mendon. 
These were all favoured opportunities ; the people's minds 
seemed to be open to receive us and our testimony with glad- 
ness. From this place we turned back through Farmington 
and Scipio, to Skeneateles, and attended a meeting by our 
appointment at a village about five miles from the village of 
Skeneateles, on the east side of the lake. On first day we 
attended Friends' meeting at Skeneateles ; on second day we 
proceeded to Verona ; and the next day had a meeting there, 
held in a meeting-house occupied by the Baptists, Friends 7 
meeting-house being too small to contain the people who assem- 
bled. 

55 



434 JOURNAL GP 

The next day being fourth day, we proceeded to Utica, and 
had an appointed meeting in the evening. Here we remained 
over the next day, and attended Friends' meeting as it came in 
course. From this place we proceeded to Charleston, and 
attended their meeting on first day. These meetings, in like 
manner, were all solemn seasons ; and, I trust, profitable and 
comfortable to many ; and I left them with peace of mind. 
After the last meeting, we rode about thirteen miles, and lodged 
with our kind friend Zacheus Mead. The following day we 
proceeded on our journey to Newtown ; and the next day attended 
Friends' meeting there. After this we proceeded to Saratoga, 
and attended Friends' preparative meeting at that place : and 
not feeling clear to leave it, we had an appointed meeting there 
the day after, of which public notice was given. It was very 
large ; and it proved a highly favoured season ; the Lord's 
presence was manifested for our help, and truth was raised into 
dominion, and ran like oil over the assembly. Many hearts 
were broken and contrited, and the upright in heart were made 
to rejoice for the unmerited favour. 

The following day we had an appointed meeting at Milton. 
After this we proceeded to Galway, and lodged with our ancient 
friend Philip Macomber, who was in the ninety-first year of his 
age. Here we had a meeting on seventh day. The next day, 
the 4th of 10th month, we attended Providence meeting, which 
was very large. On second day we had an appointed meeting 
at Mayfield. These were all seasons of favour, particularly that 
at Providence, in which truth was exalted over all opposition, 
and many hearts were contrited ; from a sense of which, our 
minds were bowed in reverence and humiliation before Him, 
who is the author of all our sure mercies. 

We proceeded from Mayfield to Greenfield, and on fourth day 
attended Friends' monthly meeting at that place, which was 
composed of that and Milton preparative meetings. We had good 
satisfaction in sitting with our Friends, and in observing their 
commendable order, and the harmony and condescension mani- 
fest in conducting the affairs of the Church. 



ELI AS HICKS. 435 

From thence we proceeded to Easton, and had an appointed 
meeting there on sixth day. On seventh day we were at Cam- 
bridge, on first day at White Creek, and on second day we rode 
to Danby, and the next day had a meeting there. These were 
all large and very solemn seasons, in which the great Head of 
the Church manifested his gracious presence, convicting and 
contriting many minds, and the upright in heart were edified. 
From Danby we proceeded to Granville, and had an appointed 
meeting there the next day, which was a large solemn oppor- 
tunity. The day after we proceeded on our journey to Shoram, 
a town on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Here we had a 
meeting the next day with the few Friends of that place, and 
some of the neighbouring inhabitants. It was a comfortable 
opportunity, and we left them with peace of mind. We then 
rode to Ferrisburgh, and on first day, the 18th of 10th month, 
had a very large favoured meeting at that place. On second 
day we had an appointed meeting at Monkton. This was like- 
wise a large favoured opportunity, in which truth reigned over 
all opposition, to the praise of his own excellent name, who is 
over all, God blessed for ever. 

As I was somewhat unwell, we rested on third day with our 
kind friends Thomas and Rowland T. Robinson ; and feeling 
my mind now clear from any further service in these parts, on 
fourth day we turned our faces homewards, and proceeded back 
to Shoram. On fifth day we had an appointed meeting in tha» 
village, principally for those not members of our society. Although 
the people came together in a negligent manner as respected the 
appointed time, yet they generally behaved orderly, and appeared 
to give good attention to what they heard ; and my mouth was 
opened by Him who opens and none can shut, in a large effect- 
ive testimony to the truths of the gospel ; which brought a pre- 
cious solemnity over the assembly, and they appeared to go 
away satisfied, and we left them with the answer of peace in 
our own minds. 

The next day we proceeded on our journey to Granville, and 
from thence the following day to Queensbury. On first day, 
the 25th of 10th month, we attended Friends' meeting there^ 



436 JOURNAL OF 

and .notice being given to the neighbouring inhabitants of our 
attendance, they came in until the house was rilled, and a num- 
ber had to stand without for want of room ; and a blessed meet- 
ing we had, in which the power of truth ran as oil over the 
assembly, tendering and contriting many minds, and to the 
comfort and rejoicing of the upright in heart. 

We had an appointed meeting on the following day at Mo- 
reau, which was a large favoured meeting. From thence we 
proceeded to Saratoga, and lodged with our kind friend Thomas 
Wilbur, and the next day Thomas accompanied us to Pitts- 
town, where we had an appointed meeting on fourth day. This 
was truly an humbling season, in which truth was exalted over 
all ; great brokenness and contrition of spirit were manifested 
among the people, and we were edified together in love, which 
inspired our minds with thanksgiving and gratitude for the 
unmerited favour. 

From this place we proceeded to Troy, and as I was some- 
what unwell, we rested the following day with our kind friend 
Isaac Merritt. On sixth day we proceeded on our journey to 
the neighbourhood of Hudson, and put up with our kind friend 
Thomas Wright ; and seventh day being very rainy and 
inclement we continued here, and attended Hudson meeting on 
first day, which was a large satisfactory meeting. 

On second day we proceeded on our journey to Stanford, and 
lodged with our kind friend John Hull. The two following 
days we attended the quarterly meeting at Nine Partners. At 
this place there is a very large body of Friends united together 
in gospel fellowship, and they were favoured to conduct the busi- 
ness of the quarterly meeting in harmony and condescension. 
The public meeting was very large. It was attended by a great 
number who were not in membership with us, and who behaved 
orderly, and it was indeed a very solemn edifying season. 

After the close of this meeting, we returned that evening to 

Stanford, in order to attend the quarterly meeting at that place, 

^vhich opened the next day with a meeting of Ministers and 

Elders. I attended this, and the following day, the meeting for 

discipline. A large number of the neighbouring inhabitants 



ELIAS HICKS. 



437 



attended this meeting, and sat with Friends, until the partition 
between the men and women was closed. They behaved very- 
orderly, and a precious solemnity spread over the assembly, and 
many essential doctrines of the gospel were opened to the 
people in the demonstration of the spirit, truth was raised into 
victory over all, and the upright in heart were edified and 
comforted. The meeting of Ministers and Elders was likewise 
a precious opportunity, in which comfort and encouragement 
were freely administered to them. 

From Stanford we proceeded on our journey to Cornwall, 
crossing the Hudson river on our way. We arrived here on 
seventh day evening, and attended their meeting on first day, 
the 8th of 1 1th month. This meeting was large, and a truly 
baptizing season, in which many hearts were humbled and 
contrited, and truth reigned over all ; thanks be to God, who 
giveth us the victory, nothing due to man. 

The two following days we had meetings appointed at the 
Lower and Upper Clove. These were well attended, and, I 
trust, profitable edifying seasons to many present. They were 
composed of people of various professions, conditions, and states ; 
yet all appeared to be brought down and subjected by the 
solemnizing influence and power of truth, that reigned vic- 
toriously over all. Surely it was the Lord's doing, and 
it was marvellous in our eyes. These meetings closed my 
labour and exercise in the gospel, to Friends and others in the 
yearly meetings of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Ohio, Indiana, and 
New- York, as expressed in a certificate of unity and concurrence, 
given me by the monthly meeting of Jericho, and quarterly 
meeting of Westbury. 

From the latter meeting we proceeded the next day directly 
to New- York, where we arrived on fourth day evening. The 
day after we attended Friends' meeting at Hester-street, it being 
their usual meeting day ; and a marriage being accomplished 
at the close of it, it was larger than usual, as many of the 
neighbouring inhabitants attended. Way opened for me to 
declare the truth among them, to the peace of my own mind, and 
to the muUial comfort and encouragement of the upright in heart. 



438 JOURNAL OP ELIAS HICKS. 

I rested here until first day, and attended Friends* meeting at 
Rose-street in the morning', and that held at Hester-street in the 
afternoon. They were both very large solemn meetings. On 
second day evening I had an appointed meeting at Brooklyn, 
likewise a large and very favoured season. In all of these meet- 
ings the word preached had free course, and I had, in the openings 
of truth, to declare to these large mixed assemblages many things 
concerning the kingdom of God ; and the only sure way by 
which an admittance into his kingdom of peace and joy may be 
obtained by the children of men. 

The foregoing meetings were times of favour, and as a seal 
from the hand of our gracious and never-failing Helper, to the 
labour and travail which he has led me into, and enabled me 
to perform, for the promotion of his great and noble cause of 
truth and righteousness in the earth, as set forth in the foregoing 
account, and not suffering any weapon formed against me to 
prosper. " This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and 
their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." For all these 
unmerited favours and mercies, in deep humiliation my soul 
doth magnify the Lord, and return thanksgiving and glory to 
his great and excellent name ; for his mercy endureth for ever. 

On third day we proceeded homeward, and attended Westbury 
monthly meeting on fourth day, on our way. After this I rode 
home, and found my family well, to our mutual rejoicing ; and 
we greeted each other with thankful hearts for the unmerited 
favour. 

We travelled in this journey nearly fifteen hundred miles. 

ELIAS HICKS. 

E. H. here closed his Journal, and signed his name ; after 
which he lived a little more than two months. < 



APPENDIX 



LETTER TO HUGH JUDGE, OF OHIO. 

Jericho, 2d mo. Uth, 1830. 

Dear Hugh, 

Thy very acceptable letter of the 21st ultimo, was duly 
received, and read with interest, tending to excite renewed 
sympathetic, and mutual fellow-feeling ; and brought to my 
remembrance the cheering salutation of the blessed Jesus, our 
holy and perfect pattern and example, to his disciples, viz : 
" Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." By which he 
assured his disciples that, by walking in the same pathway of 
self-denial and the cross which he trod to blessedness, they 
might also overcome the world ; as nothing has ever enabled 
any rational being, in any age of the world, to overcome the 
spirit of the world, which lieth in wickedness, but the cross of 
Christ. 

Some may query, what is the cross of Christ 1 To these I 
answer, it is the perfect law of God written on the tablet of the 
heart, and in the heart of every rational creature, in such indeli 
ble characters that all the power of mortals cannot erase nor 
obliterate. Neither is there any power or means given or dis- 
pensed to the children of men, but this inward law and light by 
which the true and saving knowledge of God can be obtained. 
And by this inward law and light, all will be either justified or 
condemned, and all be made to know God for themselves, and 
be left without excuse, agreeably to the prophecy of Jeremiah r 
and the corroborating testimony of Jesus in his last counsel and 
command to his disciples, not to depart from Jerusalem until they 
should receive power from on high ; assuring them that they 
should receive power, when they had received the pouring forth 



440 APPENDIX. 

of the spirit upon them, which would qualify them to bear witness 
of him in Judea, Jerusalem, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts 
of -the earth ; which was verified in a marvellous manner on the 
day of Pentecost, when thousands were converted to the Chris- 
tian faith in one day. By which it is evident, that nothing but 
this inward light and law, as it is heeded and obeyed, ever did, 
or ever can make a true and real Christian and child of God. 
And until the professors of Christianity agree to lay aside all 
their non-essentials in religion, and rally to this unchangeable 
foundation and standard of truth, wars and fightings, confusion 
and error will prevail, and the angelic song cannot be heard in 
our land, that of "glory to God in the highest, and on earth 
peace and good will to men." But when all nations are made 
willing to make this inward law and light, the rule and stand- 
ard of all their faith and works, then we shall be brought to 
know and believe alike, that there is but one Lord, one faith, 
and but one baptism ; one God and Father, that is above all, 
through all, and in all ; and then will all those glorious and 
consoling prophecies, recorded in the scriptures of truth be ful- 
filled. Isaiah ii. 4, " He," the Lord, " shall judge among the 
nations, and rebuke many people : and they shall beat their 
swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks: 
nation shall not lift up sword against nation ; neither shall they 
learn war any more." Isaiah xi. " The wolf also shall dwell 
with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid ; 
and the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling together ; and 
a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall 
feed ; their young ones shall lie down together ; and the Hon 
shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play 
on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child put his hand on 
the cockatrice's den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all 
my holy mountain : for the earth," that is our earthly taberna- 
cles, " shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters 
cover the sea." 

These scripture testimonies give a true and correct description 
of the gospel state, and no rational being can be a real Christian 
and true disciple of Christ, until he comes to know all these 



APPENDIX. 441 

things verified in his own experience, as every man and woman has 
more or less of all those different animal propensities and passions 
in their nature ; and they predominate and bear rule, and are 
the source and fountain from whence all wars, and every evil 
work proceed, and will continue as long as man remains in his 
first nature, and is governed by his animal spirit and propensities, 
which constitute the natural man, which Paul tells us " receiveth 
not the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto 
him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually dis- 
cerned." This corroborates the declaration of Jesus to Nicodemus, 
" that, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom 
of God ;" for " that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that 
which is born of the spirit is spirit." Here Jesus assures us, 
beyond all doubt, that nothing but spirit can either see or enter 
into the kingdom of God ; and this confirms Paul's doctrine, that 
" as many as are led by the spirit of God are the sons of God," 
and "joint heirs with Christ." And Jesus assures us, by his 
declaration to his disciples, John xiv. 16, 17, " If ye love me, keep 
my commandments ; and I will pray the Father, and he shall 
give you another comforter, that he may abide with you for ever, 
even the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive ;" that is, 
men and women in their natural state, who have not given up 
to be led by this spirit of truth, that leads and guides into all 
truth ; " because they see him not, neither do they know him, 
but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in 
you." And as these give up to be wholly led and guided by him, 
the new birth is brought forth in them, and they witness the 
truth of another testimony of Paul's, even that of being created 
anew in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God had fore- 
ordained that all his new-born children should walk in them, 
and thereby show forth by their fruits and good works, that they 
were truly the children of God, born of his spirit, and taught of 
him; agreeably to the testimony of the prophet, that "the children 
of the Lord are all taught of the Lord, and in righteousness they 
are established, and great is the peace of his children." And 
nothing can make them afraid that man can do unto them ; as 
saith the prophet in his appeal to Jehovah, " Thou wilt keep liim 

56 



442 APPENDIX. 

in perfect peace, whose mind is staid on thee, because he trustetb 
in thee." Therefore, let every one that loves the truth, for God 
is truth,"trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah there 
is everlasting strength." 

I write these things to thee, not as though thou didst not know 
them, but as a witness to thy experience, as " two are better than 
one, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." 

I will now draw to a close, with just adding, for thy encou- 
ragement, be of good cheer, for no new thing has happened to 
us ; for it has ever been the lot of the righteous to pass through 
many trials and tribulations, in their passage to that glorious, 
everlasting, peaceful, and happy abode, where all sorrow and 
sighing come to an end — the value of which is above all price ; 
for when we have given all that we have and can give, and 
suffered all that we can suffer, it is still infinitely below its real 
value. And if we are favoured to gain an inheritance in that 
blissful and peaceful abode, " where the wicked cease from trou- 
bling, and the weary are at rest," we must ascribe it all to the 
unmerited mercy and loving-kindness of our heavenly Father, 
who remains to be God over all, blessed for ever. 

I will now conclude ; and in the fulness of brotherly love to 
thee and thine, in which my family unite, subscribe thy affection- 
ate friend, 

ELIAS HICKS. 
To Hugh Judge. 

Please present my love to all my friends, as way opens. 



The writing of the preceding letter was the last act in the life 
of this eminent individual, and the attentive reader will not fail 
to regard it as an act of peculiar interest. It was as a seal to 
the labours of a long life, and evinced the abiding and lively 
efficacy of that internal principle which he had uniformly sought 
as his director and preserver. But the work of this faithful ser- 
vant was now accomplished ; " the silver cord was loosed," and 
that spirit which had been so diligently active in the service of 
its Divine Master, was now to rest from its labours, and to reap 



APPENDIX. 



443 



its reward. Just when he had finished the letter alluded to, he 
was attacked with a paralytic affection, under the effects of which 
he became gradually weaker ; but his mind remained established 
in great peace and serenity, and on the 27th of 2d month, 1S30, 
he calmly expired, aged nearly eighty-two years. 

Of the character of this extraordinary man, it is not necessary 
now to speak. The preceding pages describe the nature of his 
engagements; and an estimate may thence be formed, of the 
fervency of his spirit, and the brightness of his example. In 
his general deportment, and in the expression of his countenance, 
there was a remarkable union of gentleness and dignity, indi- 
cating the habitual benevolence and solemnity of his feelings ; 
and his public communications were accompanied with a power 
and an authority which demonstrated the purity of the source 
from whence they were derived. The promotion of spiritual 
holiness and practical righteousness in the earth, were the objects 
of his constant solicitude ; and he endeavoured, through divine 
assistance, to exemplify in his own daily experience, the com- 
prehensive command of the prophet, " To do justly, to love 
mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." 



144 APPENDIX. 



THE MEMORIAL OF JERICHO MONTHLY MEETING OP 
FRIENDS CONCERNING OUR ANCIENT FRIEND ELIAS 
HICKS. 

We believe the example exhibited in the life and religious 
exercise of this our beloved Friend, is eminently calculated to 
set forth the efficacy and sufficiency of that divine grace, which, 
when believed in and obeyed, bringeth salvation. 

He was born in the town of Hempstead, Queens county, 
Long Island, state of New- York, the 19th day of the 3d month, 
1748. His parents' names were John and Martha Hicks. At 
the age of seventeen he was placed as an apprentice to learn the 
trade of a carpenter ; on the expiration of his term, he returned 
to his father, with whom he lived until the time of his marriage, 
which took place about the twenty-third year of his age, to Jemi- 
ma, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Seaman, of Jericho, in 
said county, where he resided the remainder of his life. 

From his own account we learn, that when very young, he 
was favoured with clear and powerful impressions of divine 
grace operating on his mind as a reprover for evil, which not 
duly regarding, and being naturally of a lively and active dis- 
position, he associated with those who indulged in the vanities 
and amusements too common in the world, though mostly in 
things deemed innocent by the generality of mankind. But the 
gift of divine grace, which was so early manifested, did not for- 
sake him, though he often strove to stifle its convictions, but 
followed him in judgment and in mercy, until a willingness 
was wrought in him to give up all to follow Christ, in the 
regeneration. On one occasion, when preparing to join in the 
dance, and surrounded by his jovial companions, the pure witness 
rose so powerfully in his mind, and so clearly set before him the 
evil tendency of the course he was pursuing, that he reasoned 
not with flesh and blood, but gave up to the heavenly vision, 
and in deep contrition and prostration of soul, entered into cove 



\PPENDIX. 



145 



nant with the God of his life, that if he would be pleased to 
furnish him with strength, he would endeavour not to be again 
found in the like disobedience ; which covenant, through mercy, 
he was favoured to keep inviolate. Thus, submitting to the puri- 
fying operation of the Holy Ghost and fire, he was, in due tune, 
qualified and called to declare to others what God had done for 
his soul ; under the divine anointing, he was enabled to unfold 
the truths of the gospel, in the demonstration of the spirit and 
with power. And, through a faithful obedience to that which 
had begun the good work in him, he became an eminent in- 
strument in the Lord's hand, for the promotion of truth and 
righteousness in the earth. 

He first appeared in the ministry, about the twenty-seventh 
year of his age, and from this period, his time and talents w T ere 
devoted to the cause of his Divine Master, labouring diligently 
for its advancement, not only at home, and in his own neigh- 
bourhood, but in most parts of this continent where there are 
settlements of Friends, and also, in many places amongst those 
not of our society. In declaring what he believed to be the 
counsel of God, he was bold and fearless, and his ministry, 
though unadorned with the embellishments of human learning, 
was clear and powerful. In argument he was strong and con- 
vincing, and his appeals to the experience and convictions of 
his hearers, were striking and appropriate. He saw, and deeply 
lamented the great departure of many in the society of Friends, 
from that plainness and simplicity, and that godly sincerity, 
which characterized it in the beginning. Hence he felt himself 
called upon, under the influence of the love of the gospel, to 
admonish his brethren in religious profession, to rally to the 
ancient standard, the light of truth manifested in the heart, and 
to follow no man any further, than he should be found a follower 
of Christ. He assailed the strong holds of superstition and 
bigotry with great boldness, which sometimes alarmed the timid, 
and roused the prejudices of others. Yet to the candid inquirer 
and sincere seeker after truth, he breathed the language of 
encouragement, of consolation and of comfort. His great and 
primary concern was (o draw the minds of the people to prac- 



446 APPENDIX. 

tical righteousness — from all outward dependan.ee to the sure 
foundation, the rock of ages, the spirit of truth, the comforter, 
" Christ within, the hope of glory." He generally corroborated 
the doctrines which he preached, by appropriate references to the 
testimonies and experience of those who have gone before us, 
as recorded in the scriptures of truth. Through the efficacy of 
that power which enabled him to say, " By the grace of God, I 
am what I am," many were convinced of the truth, through his 
ministry. 

So full and pointed was his testimony against a hireling 
ministry, which he held to be, not only in direct violation of the 
great gospel precept " Freely ye have received, freely give," but 
fraught with incalculable injury to the best interests of mankind, 
that he sometimes gave offence to those, whose minds were 
strongly biased in its favour. Yet such was the general kind- 
ness and benevolence of his character, that he did not willingly 
give offence to any. While he condemned the practice, he was 
kind and charitable to those, who, through the influence of 
education and early prejudice, differed from him on this subject. 
Such was his concern that his examples should comport with 
his testimony, that he was scrupulously careful to defray his 
own expenses when travelling as a minister. 

When his meetings were attended by a large concourse of 
persons of various denominations, the solemnity and stillness that 
prevailed, were often very remarkable, reminding us of the testi- 
mony of primitive Friends, that the power accompanying their 
gospel labours so overshadowed the assemblies, that truth reigned 
over all. Being deeply sensible of his own inability to promote 
the cause of truth and righteousness, without divine aid, he 
was engaged to dwell near the fountain of light and life, and 
to minister as this opened and gave ability. He was indeed 
an example of Christian humility, and eminently preserved from 
being elated by the applause of men, or depressed by their cen- 
sure. Many were the exercises which he felt on account of the 
evils which abound in the world, and the oppressed condition of 
the African race excited his tenderest sympathy. Their cause 
engaged his earnest solicitude for the greater part of his life, and 



APPENDIX. 447 

he was often led feelingly and powerfully to advocate it. We 
believe that many were convinced, through his labours, of the 
cruelty and injustice of holding them in bondage. He bore for 
many years a faithful testimony against slavery, by carefully 
abstaining from the use of articles which he believed to be pro- 
duced by the labour of slaves. When at home, and not engaged 
in services more strictly of a religious character, he laboured dili- 
gently with his own hands, believing it the duty of all to 
be usefully employed in obtaining the necessaries of life ; and 
when acquired, he acted as a steward under the direction of the 
bountiful Giver, being restrained from using them for selfish grati- 
fication. In the various relations of life he w ? as a bright example, 
worthy of imitation : he was an affectionate husband ; and as a 
father and guardian, his concern for the religious and moral 
education of his children, and those placed under his care, was 
very great, that they might be brought up in the fear and admo- 
nition of the Lord. For these ends he exercised the authority 
of a parent with firmness, but in much tenderness and love. His 
tender sympathy was excited for the poor, to whom he was a 
kind and liberal friend, often supplying their necessities. It may 
be truly said of him, that he was a man fearing God and hating 
covetousness. He was a peace-maker, endeavouring, both by 
precept and example, to promote harmony in his neighbourhood ; 
and in this respect he w 7 as very useful, his Christian deportment 
having gained the confidence and affection of his neighbours. 
He was very diligent in the attendance of religious meetings, 
and often led to encourage others, assuring them, from his own 
experience, that none could expect to increase in the divine life, 
until they considered that important duty paramount to temporal 
concerns : he was also conspicuously useful in supporting the 
discipline of the society. 

At a very advanced age he continued to labour in the Lord's 
vineyard, with the same fervent zeal, the same dedication of 
heart, for which he had been so eminently distinguished in the 
earlier stages of his life ; and in the exercise of his gift in the 
ministry, he was as lively, clear, and cogent, as at any former 
period. Having been long taught in the school of Christ, and 



448 APPENDIX. 

being deeply experienced in the things which concern our eternal 
well-being, he was well qualified to administer counsel and 
encouragement to others ; and was frequently led, feelingly and 
forcibly, to impress upon the minds of the rising generation, the 
importance and necessity of early attention to the inward dis- 
coveries of divine light ; cautioning them not to rest in the tra- 
dition of their fathers, but to walk by the same rule, and to mind 
the same thing, which has led the righteous in all ages safely 
through time ; nor to depend upon the teachings of men, for that 
knowledge which brings life and immortality to light in the soul ; 
declaring that faithfulness and obedience to the influence of 
divine grace in their own hearts, could only qualify them to 
advance the standard of truth and righteousness in the earth. 
His dedication to the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, his 
firmness in the support of those testimonies which he felt himself 
called upon to maintain, and his plainness in reproving unfaith- 
fulness in others, and bearing testimony against every appearance 
of evil, gave offence to some ; yet none of these things moved 
him, neither counted he his life dear to himself, so that he might 
finish his course with joy, and the ministry he had received, to 
testify the gospel of the grace of God ; and we are persuaded 
that his feet were established upon that rock, against which the 
powers of darkness shall never be able to prevail. He was 
favoured, in times of the greatest trial, to experience the truth of 
the prophetic declaration, " Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 
whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." 

He was favoured with a good constitution, and in the decline 
of life, was still actively engaged in the concerns of society, and 
industriously employed in his temporal avocations. 

His mental powers continued strong and vigorous to the end 
of his labours. His comprehensive and energetic mind was 
apparently but very little impaired by the revolution of more 
than fourscore years. Within the last two years of his life, he 
travelled extensively in the work of the ministry. 

When he was eighty years of age, he opened in this monthly 
meeting a concern to pay a religious visit to Friends and others 
in some parts of the yearly meetings of New- York, Philadelphia, 



APPENDIX. 449 

Baltimore, Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana. He obtained a certificate 
of unity and concurrence from this monthly meeting", endorsed 
by Westbury quarterly meeting. In this visit he experienced 
many deep probations on account of the unsettled state of society. 
" For the divisions of Reuben, there were great searchings of 
heart." Yet he was enabled to accomplish his visit to the 
southern and western yearly meetings, agreeably to his prospect. 
Shortly after his return from this journey, he met with a severe 
affliction in the loss of his beloved companion, with whom he 
had lived in near union and affection for fifty-eight years. 

In the summer of 1829, in pursuance of his prospect as before 
mentioned, he visited most of the meetings of Friends in the 
northern and western parts of our yearly meeting. His gospel 
labours, during these arduous and extensive visits, were produc- 
tive of satisfaction and peace to his own mind, and were peculiarly 
seasonable and acceptable to his friends, as appears by numerous 
certificates of near unity, which he produced to this meeting on 
his return home ; after which, he attended all the meetings of 
Friends in the city of New- York, and on this island, very much 
to their satisfaction. In these last visits, as heretofore, his gospel 
labours were remarkably clear and powerful, and we trust 
are profitably remembered by many. He seemed renewedly 
concerned on account of the deviations from that plainness and 
simplicity into which the truth would lead ; and expressed the 
comfort it would be to him to see a reformation in these respects. 

On first day morning, the 14th of 2d month last, he was 
engaged in his room, writing to a friend, until a little after ten 
o'clock, when he returned to that occupied by the family, appa- 
rently just attacked by a paralytic affection, which nearly deprived 
him of the use of his right side, and of the power of speech. Being 
assisted to a chair near the fire, he manifested by signs, that the 
letter which he had just finished, and which had been dropped 
by the way, should be taken care of ; and on its being brought 
to him, appeared satisfied, and manifested a desire that all shoidd 
sit down and be still, seemingly sensible that his labours were 
brought to a close, and only desirous of quietly waiting the final 
change. The solemn composure at this time manifest in his 

57 



450 APPENDIX. 

countenance, was very impressive, indicating that he was sensi- 
ble the time of his departure was at hand, and that the prospect 
of death brought no terrors with it During his last illness, his 
mental faculties were occasionally obscured, yet he was at times 
enabled to give satisfactory evidence to those around him, that 
all was well, and that he felt nothing in his way. 

His dependance had long been upon that arm of power alone 
which supported him under every probation, and near the con 
elusion of the letter above alluded to, he thus expressed himself: 
u And if we are favoured to gain an inheritance in that blissful 
and peaceful abode, where the wicked cease from troubling, and 
the weary are at rest, we must ascribe it all to the unmerited 
mercy and loving kindness of our heavenly Father, who remains 
to be God over all, blessed for ever." He continued gradually to 
decline until the evening of the 27th, when he quietly passed 
from the trials of time, we doubt not, to receive the reward of 
the righteous. 

His funeral took place on fourth day, the 3d of 3d month. It 
was attended by a large concourse of Friends and others, and a 
solid meeting was held on the occasion ; after which, his remains 
were interred in Friends' burial ground at this place. 

Signed by direction and on behalf of Jericho Monthly Meeting, 
held 4th month, 15th, 1830. 

WILLET ROBBINS, ) ^ , o 
ABIGAIL HICKS, \ u,erks ' 



At Westbury Quarterly Meeting held at Westbury, the 22d 
of 4th month, 1830. 

A memorial of Jericho Monthly Meeting, concerning our late 
beloved friend Elias Hicks, was produced and read, and being 
satisfactory to the meeting, was approved, directed to be endorsed, 
and forwarded to the Meeting for Sufferings. 

Signed on behalf of the meeting by 

STEPHEN UNDERHILL, ) ™ 7 
SARAH COCK, L,lerks ' 



APPENDIX. 451 

At a Meeting for Sufferings held in New- York, 5th month, 
26th, 1830, 

The memorial from Jericho Monthly Meeting, endorsed by 
the Quarterly Meeting of Westbury, concerning our beloved 
friend Elias Hicks, deceased, being deliberately attended to, was 
approved and directed to the Yearly Meeting. 

Extract from minutes of said meeting. 

JOHN BARROW, Clerk. 



At the Yearly Meeting of New-York, held by adjournments, 
from the 24th of*the 5th month, to the 28th of the same inclusive, 
1830, 

A testimony of Jericho Monthly Meeting, endorsed by West- 
bury Quarterly Meeting, and approved by the Meeting for Suf- 
ferings, concerning our ancient beloved friend Elias Hicks, was 
read and approved. Much solicitude was felt and expressed that 
it may, with the remembrance of his exemplary life, encourage 
us to walk by the same rule, and to mind the same thing, which 
enabled him to become so eminently useful in his day and 
generation. 



SAMUEL MOTT, ) -. 



ANN M. COMSTOCK, 






I \\A 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS % 



019 566 756 1 



